Prospective evaluation of amiodarone pulmonary toxicity

Reports of pulmonary infiltrates in patients taking amiodarone, initiated the study of 69 patients for pulmonary toxicity using serial chest roentgenograms (CXRs), pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and symptoms before and during therapy. Mean PFTs did not significantly change from their baseline normal values, but 10 percent of patients had a greater than or equal to 15 percent fall in total lung capacity, and 28 percent a greater than or equal to 15 percent fall in diffusion capacity (DCO) following treatment. Initial abnormalities in pulmonary function or CXR were predictive of risk of developing pulmonary toxicity. Degree of exposure to amiodarone (dose plus duration) correlated only weakly with development of pulmonary toxicity, which could occur in patients taking relatively small doses of the drug. Pulmonary complications of amiodarone are common, in most cases reversible, and often confused with congestive heart failure or pneumonia. Patients should be evaluated before treatment by assessing symptoms, CXRs, and DCO. Patients with initial abnormalities in these parameters, particularly both CXR and DCO abnormalities, should be considered for alternative therapy.