Sertraline-Induced Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Pharmacology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) is a rare respiratory illness.
• AEP presents with fever, hypoxemia, and lung infiltrates.
• Antidepressants, including sertraline, are potential causes of AEP.

Observation:

• A 76-year-old female with no prior lung disease presented with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.
• Initial treatment with antibiotics was ineffective.
• Diagnostic workup excluded infectious and autoimmune causes.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with AEP potentially linked to sertraline use.
• Corticosteroid therapy and sertraline discontinuation led to clinical improvement.

Implications:

• This case highlights AEP as a potential adverse drug reaction to sertraline.
• Early recognition and drug cessation are crucial for patient recovery.
• Further research into drug-induced AEP is warranted.