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Pulmonary Eosinophilia From Inhaled Colistin
Pierre-Alexis Lépine1, Alain Dumas1, Louis-Philippe Boulet1
1Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada.
Inhaled colistimethate sodium can cause pulmonary eosinophilia, a rare side effect. This condition, presenting as fatigue and shortness of breath, rapidly resolves with corticosteroid treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic bronchiectasis management often involves inhaled antibiotics.
- Inhaled colistimethate sodium is used to prevent respiratory exacerbations.
Observation:
- A patient with bronchiectasis developed fatigue, dyspnea, and pulmonary infiltrates after starting inhaled colistimethate sodium.
- Peripheral blood eosinophilia was noted concurrently with the new symptoms.
Findings:
- This case presents the first documented clinical and radiologic features of inhaled colistimethate-induced pulmonary eosinophilia.
- Symptoms and radiographic findings resolved rapidly following oral corticosteroid therapy.
Implications:
- Inhaled colistimethate sodium may induce an eosinophilic lung reaction.
- Clinicians should consider this adverse effect in patients presenting with relevant symptoms.
- Prompt recognition and treatment with corticosteroids can lead to rapid recovery.
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