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[Pneumopathy induced by pirindopril. A case report]
B Melloni1, A Vergnenègre, F Bonnaud
1Service de Pathologie Respiratoire et d'Allergologie, CHU Limoges.
Revue Des Maladies Respiratoires
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) can cause lung disease. This case report details a patient who developed diffuse pneumonitis with eosinophilic infiltration while taking pirindopril, an ACEI.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) are widely prescribed for hypertension.
- ACEI are known to cause respiratory side effects, primarily cough.
- Recent evidence suggests ACEI may also induce lung disease.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old male presented with cough, dyspnea, fever, and weight loss.
- The patient was on pirindopril for 6 months for hypertension.
- Imaging revealed diffuse pneumonitis with eosinophilic infiltration.
Findings:
- Chest X-ray and CT scan showed reticular infiltrates, pleural thickening, and airspace opacities.
- Peripheral blood eosinophilia (940 eosinophils/mm3) was noted.
- Transbronchial biopsy confirmed lung infiltration with eosinophils, with no other cause identified.
Implications:
- This case suggests pirindopril, like other ACEI, can cause drug-induced pulmonary disease.
- Prompt drug withdrawal and corticosteroid treatment may be necessary for management.
- Clinicians should consider ACEI-induced lung disease in patients presenting with unexplained pulmonary symptoms.