Methotrexate pneumonitis: a case report and summary of the literature

Methotrexate is used to treat a growing number of malignancies, severe rheumatoid arthritis, and refractory psoriatic arthritis. Pneumonitis induced by the drug occurs in a small percentage of patients and is usually associated with fever, cough, dyspnea, and restrictive pulmonary disease. Severe reactions may progress to respiratory failure. Early recognition of the toxicity is important, and discontinuation of the drug and therapy with corticosteroids usually lead to dramatic improvement.