[Diffuse interstitial pneumopathy during treatment with gold salts]

A case of severe diffuse interstitial pneumonia is reported in a 69 year old after 5 weeks treatment with gold salts. Regression of symptoms on withdrawal of gold salts and under steroid therapy, the similarity with previously published cases, the absence of another cause lead us to incriminate the gold salts. The case is documented with optical and electronic microscopic studies of transbronchial biopsy and repeated examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. A general review of the literature is included with a critical discussion of the physiopathogenic mechanisms. The results of the examination of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid are further evidence in favour of cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction.