Drug-induced pulmonary vascular disease--mechanisms and clinical patterns

An extensive vascular surface area places the lungs at risk for damage by blood-borne drugs. Drug-induced pulmonary vascular disease may present clinically as acute pulmonary edema, pulmonary edema followed by diffuse interstitial lung disease, pulmonary vascular occlusion, pulmonary hypertension or hemorrhage. It is important to recognize these reactions as drug-related because many are reversible with discontinuation of the drug and supportive therapy. Failure to recognize drug-induced pulmonary vascular disease can lead to significant morbidity and, in some cases, death.