Effect on the Prevalence of Various Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Diseases due to Paradigm Change in the Guidelines

Background: Diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLDs) have gone through various changes in nomenclature and classification since they were first described in 1868. Increasing knowledge about their etiopathogenesis has since led to several reclassifications and changes in the nomenclature. This has had a major impact on the prevalence of each interstitial lung disease (ILD) reported by the different registries worldwide. In this study, we attempted to describe the distribution of the different DPLDs in our population and reported changes in prevalence due to changing diagnostic criteria for the disease. Materials and methods: We analyzed retrospective data of 434 patients. For the initial 75 patients, ATS/ERS guidelines published in 2002 were followed in the diagnosis of the ILD (group I). In the later part of the study (359 patients), the diagnosis was based on the computed tomography (CT) patterns defined by ATS/ERS/JPS/ALAT statement on diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and updated 2013 ATS/ERS guidelines (group II). Results: Of the 75 patients in group I, IPF was the most common diagnosis (52%) made at that time, followed by sarcoidosis and connective tissue-related ILD (CTD-ILD) with 12% each. Group II had 359 patients, with IPF again being the most commonly diagnosed ILD with 21.3%. This was followed by CTD-ILD (18.6%), sarcoid (14.7%), and idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis (iNSIP; 13.3%). The changing guidelines have an impact on reporting of different DPLD by our multidisciplinary teamover a period of time. Though IPF was the most commonest DPLD reported among both the groups, the diagnosis of IPF had fallen by more than half in the second group. It was paralleled by an increase in the diagnosis of iNSIP and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. These reported changes in the prevalence of DPLDs may reflect the better-defined criteria in the latest guidelines and a better understanding of the fibrotic ILDs other than IPF by the multidisciplinary team. Conclusions: The frequency of diagnosis of the different DPLDs has changed, following the publication of several guidelines in the last decade. It has recognized newer entities with greater clarity, such as idiopathic NSIP and interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features.

Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: usual interstitial pneumonitis vs. possible usual interstitial pneumonitis pattern / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#The prognosis of acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) is very poor with a high mortality. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features and survival of patients with AE-IPF with usual pulmonary fibrosis (UIP) and possible UIP (P-UIP) pattern on chest high resolution computed tomography (HRCT).@*Methods@#This retrospective study included 107 patients with AE-IPF admitted to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2010 to December 2016. The subjects were divided into UIP (n = 86) and P-UIP group (n = 21) based on chest HRCT. Continuous variables were analyzed using Student’s t test or Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical variables were analyzed using χ2 test. Log-rank test was used for the survival analysis. Cox proportional models evaluated the risk factors for AE occurrence and survival.@*Results@#The male, older patients, previous N-acetylcysteine use, elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts, and microbiology infection were more common in the UIP group than the P-UIP group (χ2= 13.567, P < 0.001; z = -2.936, P = 0.003; χ2 = 5.901, P = 0.015; t = 2.048, P = 0.043; χ2 = 10.297, P = 0.036, respectively). The percentage of AE with UIP pattern in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) was significantly higher than P-UIP pattern (χ2 = 40.011, P < 0.001). Smoking was the risk factor for AE within 6 months after IPF diagnosis in the UIP group. The cumulative proportion survival of 30-days was significantly higher in the UIP group compared with the P-UIP group (χ2 = 5.489, P = 0.019) despite of the similar overall survival in the two groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated WBC count, partial pressure of oxygen in artery (PaO2)/fractional concentration of inspired oxygen (FiO2), and computed tomography (CT) score were the independent predictors for survival in the UIP group (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.070, 95% confidential interval [CI]: 1.027-1.114, P = 0.001; HR: 0.992, 95% CI: 0.986–0.997, P = 0.002; and HR: 1.649, 95% CI: 1.253–2.171, P < 0.001, respectively).@*Conclusions@#AE occurrence of UIP patients in IIP was significantly more than P-UIP cases. The short-term survival was better in the UIP group despite of the similar overall survival in the two groups. WBC count, PaO2/FiO2, and CT score were the independent predictors for survival in UIP subjects.

Acute interstitial pneumonitis associated pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome in 8 recipients after liver transplantation / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective To summarize the clinical course of acute interstitial pneumonitis (AIP) associated pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) in 8 recipients after liver transplantation,and further discuss the potential risk factors and therapeutic highlights.Methods A total of 476 pediatric patients received liver transplantation in Tianjin First Center Hospital from January 2012 to September 2016.Among them,8 cases of AIP associated PARDS in ICU were recruited in this study.Medical data including clinical presentation,ICU management and outcomes were analyzed retrospectively.Results The onset time-window of AIP associated PARDS was (2.67 ± 0.77) months after liver transplantation,and the time interval between initial symptom and ICU administration was (6.75 ± 5.82) days.Five cases had the history of acute rejection therapy,and 5 cases had CMV and/or EBV viremia history.All 8 cases received mechanical ventilation,2 cases given nasal non-invasive ventilation and the rest 6 cases given invasive ventilation,3 of which were switched to high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) combined with inhaled nitric oxide.At the stage of hypoxic climax,the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) was up-regulated to 1.0 to maintain the oxygenation index (OI) of (25.24 ± 5.94).Temporary replacement of immunosuppressants with intravenous glucocorticoids was implemented in all 8 cases without acute rejection episode.Of 8 cases,2 cases died from PARDS,1 case died from portal thrombosis associated hepatic failure,and the rest 5 cases survived.Conclusion AIP associated PARDS is a critical complication with high mortality in pediatric patients after liver transplantation.Excessively strong immunosuppression therapy at early post-transplant stage shows a risk factor for AIP.Lung protective ventilation strategy and HFOV are recommended to reduce ventilator induced lung injury in pediatric patients.Temporary intravenous glucocorticoids may reduce acute inflammatory reaction in PARDS patients without increasing the risk of acute rejection.

Déficit congénito de proteína de surfactante: caso clínico / Deficiency of surfactant protein: Case report

Introducción: El déficit congénito de surfactante es una entidad de diagnóstico inhabitual en recién nacidos. Se reporta un caso clínico de déficit de proteína B del surfactante, se revisa el estudio, tratamiento y diagnóstico diferencial de los déficit de proteínas del surfactante y enfermedad crónica intersticial de la infancia. Caso clínico: Recién nacido de término que cursa dificultad respiratoria, con velamiento pulmonar recurrente y respuesta transitoria a administración de surfactante. El estudio inmunohistoquímico y genético confirmaron diagnóstico de déficit de proteína B de surfactante. Conclusiones: La enfermedad pulmonar congénita requiere un alto índice de sospecha. El déficit de proteína B de surfactante genera un cuadro clínico progresivo y mortal en la mayoría de los casos, al igual que el déficit de transportador ATP binding cassette, sub-family A member 3 (ABCA3). El déficit de proteína C es insidioso y puede presentarse con un patrón radiológico pulmonar intersticial. Debido a la similitud en el patrón histológico, el estudio genético permite una mayor certeza en el pronóstico y la posibilidad de entregar un adecuado consejo genético.

Introduction: Congenital surfactant deficiency is a condition infrequently diagnosed in newborns. A clinical case is presented of surfactant protein B deficiency. A review is performed on the study, treatment and differential diagnosis of surfactant protein deficiencies and infant chronic interstitial lung disease. Case report: The case is presented of a term newborn that developed respiratory distress, recurrent pulmonary opacification, and a transient response to the administration of surfactant. Immunohistochemical and genetic studies confirmed the diagnosis of surfactant protein B deficiency. Conclusions: Pulmonary congenital anomalies require a high index of suspicion. Surfactant protein B deficiency is clinically progressive and fatal in the majority of the cases, similar to that of ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 3 (ABCA3) deficiency. Protein C deficiency is insidious and may present with a radiological pulmonary interstitial pattern. Due to the similarity in the histological pattern, genetic studies help to achieve greater certainty in the prognosis and the possibility of providing adequate genetic counselling.

Enfermedades pulmonares difusas relacionadas al tabaco / Smoking related interstitial lung disease

Inhalation of tobacco smoke is a risk factor for developing respiratory diseases as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and many cardiovascular diseases. Recently, a new group of interstitial lung diseases (ILD) related to cigarette smoking (SR-ILD) have been described. This group includes pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis, respiratory bronchiolitis, smoking-associated interstitial fibrosis, desquamative interstitial pneumonia. The diagnosis is usually difficult, and the use ofsome clinical clues, high-resolution computerized tomography, and histopathologic findings in lung biopsy could help to differentiate between the various entities. We present a report of clinical cases of patients with SR-ILD seen in our center, and a review of the literature of the above entities.

La inhalación del humo de tabaco es un factor de riesgo conocido para el desarrollo de enfermedades respiratorias como la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, el cáncer pulmonar y algunas enfermedades cardiovasculares. Se ha descrito un grupo de enfermedades pulmonares difusas (EPD), particularmente asociadas al tabaquismo (EPD-TBQ), entre ellas, la histiocitosis pulmonar de Langerhans (PLCH), la bronquiolitis respiratoria (BR), la neumonía intersticial descamativa (DIP) y recientemente la fibrosis intersticial relacionada a tabaco (SRIF). El diagnóstico suele ser complejo, y la utilización de algunas claves diagnósticas, en conjunto a la tomografía computarizada de tórax de alta resolución y los hallazgos histopatológicos de la biopsia pulmonar, pueden ayudar a diferenciar entre las distintas entidades. Se presenta a continuación, una serie de viñetas clínicas de pacientes con EPD-TBQ, atendidos en nuestro centro, y una revisión de la bibliografía sobre cada una de ellas.

Diagnosis of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis-an update.

The most common and most lethal type of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which accounts for 55% of lung diseases classified as IIPs. Diagnosis of IPF requires precision and a multidisciplinary approach .Indeed, an early and accurate diagnosis of IPF is critical for a better outcome, especially with the advent of new specific treatments for this disease. The previous guidelines using major and minor criteria for the clinical (i.e. non-pathological) diagnosis of IPF have been discarded, as it is now clear that, in an appropriate clinical setting, the presence of a classical UIP pattern on the HRCT scan is sufficient for a diagnosis of IPF to be made. In the presence of the four classical features, that together accurately identify a Usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern, a definitive diagnosis of IPF can be made. Guidelines emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary discussion between clinicians, radiologists and pathologists to improve diagnostic confidence. The course of disease in IPF is unpredictable, but the importance of an early diagnosis is clear, as individuals with less severe lung function abnormalities have a better prognosis.

Neumonitis intersticial linfoidea en niños infectados por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana-1 en zona de alta prevalencia de tuberculosis pulmonar / Lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis in children infected with type 1 human immunodefi ciency virus from areas with high pulmonary tuberculosis prevalence

Antecedentes : Poco se sabe sobre la neumonitis intersticial linfoidea (NIL) en niños con infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana-1 (VIH-1) Objetivos: Describir las características clínicas y patológicas de NIL en niños infectados por VIH-1 en un centro de referencia para VIH pediátrico en Cali (Colombia). Métodos: Se llevó a cabo una descripción de serie de casos de NIL basados en revisión retrospectiva de historias clínicas de todos los casos de niños con enfermedad pulmonar crónica y LIP confirmada por biopsia entre los años 2001 y 2012. Resultados y conclusiones: Diez de 12 casos con NIL fueron confirmados por biopsia pulmonar. Se observó una respuesta clínica y de función respiratoria luego del tratamiento con prednisona, excepto en un caso que presentó tos persistente. No se encontraron casos de tuberculosis pulmonar (TP) en nuestra serie y el papel de la biopsia pulmonar fue crítico para alcanzar un diagnóstico preciso.

Background: Little is known about Lymphoid Interstitial Pneumonitis (LIP) in children with HIV infection. Aims: To describe the clinical and pathological characteristics of LIP in infected children in a referral center for pediatric HIV in Cali (Colombia). Methods: Case series based on retrospective analysis of clinical charts among HIV-infected children with chronic lung disease and lung-biopsy proven LIP between the years 2001 and 2012. Results and conclusions: 10 of 12 cases of LIP were confirmed by lung biopsy. Significant clinical and respiratory functional improvement was obtained in all cases after prednisone therapy, excepting one child who presented persistent cough. No case of pulmonary TB was detected in our cohort. Lung biopsy was critical to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

An Unusual Presentation of Adult Onset Still’s Disease

Adult onset still’s disease usually presents with high grade intermittent fever, polyarthritis, salmon pink evanescent rash and hepatosplenomegaly. Pulmonary involvement in the form of pneumonitis, as a presenting feature is very rare. We report a case of a young lady who presented with fever, cough and respiratory distress. Chest X-ray revealed patchy infiltration in left upper lung zone. She was subsequently diagnosed as Adult onset Still’s disease. There was no improvement in clinical condition despite five days of antibiotics. On trans-bronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) proved she had interstitial pneumonitis and responded dramatically to steroid treatment.

Everolimus-Induced Interstitial Pneumonitis in a Patient with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: a Case Report / 대한내과학회지

Everolimus, an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin, is an active agent against metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Treatment with everolimus prolongs progression-free survival in patients with clear cell-type renal cell carcinoma that has progressed on vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as sunitinib and/or sorafenib. Everolimus-induced interstitial pneumonitis is not rare and is sometimes fatal. Due to the potential for pulmonary toxicity due to everolimus, it is recommended that pulmonary complications be periodically evaluated. We report a case of everolimus-associated interstitial pneumonitis in a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Docetaxel-Induced Fatal Interstitial Pneumonitis in a Patient with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

A 69-year-old man with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) received docetaxel and a corticosteroid. After the third cycle of docetaxel administration, he presented with dyspnea, cough, sputum, and fever of 39.2degrees C. The chest X-ray and chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a diffuse reticulonodular shadow in both lungs, which suggested interstitial pneumonitis. Initially, we used empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics and high-dose corticosteroids. However, his condition progressively became worse and he was transferred to the intensive care unit, intubated, and placed on mechanical ventilation. He died 4 days after hospital admission. Here we report this case of fatal interstitial pneumonitis after treatment with docetaxel for CRPC. We briefly consider docetaxel-induced pneumonitis to make physicians aware of the possibility of pulmonary toxicity so that appropriate treatment can be begun as soon as possible.

Interstitial Pneumonitis in a Patient with Chronic Hepatitis C and Chronic Renal Failure on Interferon Therapy / 대한소화기학회지

After 4-months of alpha interferon (IFN-alpha), a 64-year old woman with chronic hepatitis C developed a cough and dyspnea and showed diffuse infiltrative opacities on her chest X-ray. Her symptoms persisted after stopping the IFN-alpha therapy. Pulmonary function testing revealed a reduced forced vital capacity. High-resolution computed tomography of the lung showed peripheral and peribronchovascular ground glass attenuation and consolidation associated with reticulation. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed for further evaluation and showed a lymphocyte level of 8.2%, an uncommon finding in IFN-alpha-induced interstitial pneumonitis. We performed a lung biopsy to diagnose her disease and it suggested interstitial pneumonitis. This was considered to be due to the immunomodulatory effects of INF-alpha. Although rare, any sign of significant pulmonary involvement should be evaluated.

A Case of Interstitial Pneumonitis Induced by Acitretin / 대한내과학회지

Retinoids are effective systemic agents in the treatment of psoriasis. Acitretin, a synthetic aromatic derivative of retinoic acid, has replaced etretinate in retinoid therapy of psoriasis because of its more favorable pharmacokinetic profile, including a significantly shorter half-life. Most of the adverse effects associated with acitretin are teratogenicity, hepatotoxicity, pseudotumor cerebri, pancreatitis, hyperlipidemia, hyperostosis, and mucocutaneous side effects. There are two reports worldwide describing patients who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with acitretin. This suggests the possibility of serious lung complications associated with acitretin. We report a case of a 61-year-old man who developed interstitial pneumonitis that might have been induced by acitretin during the treatment of pustular psoriasis. In these cases, immediate withdrawal of retinoic acid is necessary, and corticosteroid therapy should be considered.

An Adult Case of Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection with Interstitial Pneumonitis

Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (CAEBV) infection is characterized by persistent infectious mononucleosis-like symptoms, an unusual pattern of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies, detection of the EBV genome in affected tissues or peripheral blood, and chronic illness that cannot be attributed to any other known disease. This is the first reported Korean case of an immunocompetent adult with CAEBV-associated interstitial pneumonitis. A 28-year-old female was admitted with a fever that persisted for 3 weeks. She had multiple lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, and elevated serum aminotransferase levels. Serology for antibodies was positive and chest computed tomography showed diffuse ground glass opacities in both lungs. Histopathology of the lung tissue showed lymphocyte infiltration, and EBV DNA was detected in those lymphocytes using in situ hybridization with an EBV-encoded RNA probe. After 1 month of hospitalization, she improved without specific treatment.

A combination of intravenous immunoglobulin and pulse methylprednisolone extended survival in pulmonary alveolar proteinosis with chronic interstitial pneumonitis: a case report.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is characterized by intra-alveolar accumulation of lipoproteinaceous material. The severe chronic pulmonary disease and susceptibility to pulmonary infection is a prominent feature of the disease. We reported a case of postnatal-onset PAP and chronic interstitial pneumonitis in a girl with chronic respiratory distress since she was 5 months of age. A lung biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. The therapeutic bronchoalveolar lavages, a short trial of granulocyte colony-stimulation factor (G-CSF) and a combination of low dose methylprednisolone and hydroxychloroquine were used at different times without noting satisfactory improvement. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and pulse methylprednisolone were given monthly with gradual recovery. She did not require oxygen supplement after 21 months of this combination. Our report suggested that IVIG and pulse methylprednisolone might have a potential role in the treatment of PAP with chronic interstitial pneumonitis.

Interstitial pneumonitis associated with infliximab therapy in a rheumatoid arthritis patient / 대한내과학회지

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors are well-established biological agents for the treatment of a wide variety of chronic autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. Although these drugs have been noted to have good safety profiles, some important side effects, including infection, injection site reactions, lupus-like syndrome, congestive heart failure, and malignancies have been reported. Therefore, utilization of TNF-alpha inhibitors demands caution. Interstitial pneumonitis is a very rare complication of TNF-alpha inhibitors. We report here a 71-year-old man with RA who developed interstitial pneumonitis after the third infusion of infliximab.

A Case of Rituximab Treatment for Interstitial Lung Disease in a Patient with Antisynthetase Syndrome / 대한류마티스학회지

The clinical manifestations of antisynthetase syndrome are severe interstitial pneumonitis, mild polyarthritis, and myositis. This disease is accompanied by anti-Jo-1 antibodies and anti-Ro/SSA antibodies and occasionally by the concurrence of anti-Jo-1 and anti-Ro/SSA antibodies, which leads to a more severe form of interstitial lung disease. In this case, the patient was transferred to our hospital because of pulmonary fibrosis with myositis and diagnosed with antisynthetase syndrome and the concurrence of anti-Jo-1 with anti-Ro/SSA antibodies. He was refractory to glucocorticoids, and developed leucopenia and thrombocytopenia. He was treated with rituximab infusions, but the interstitial pneumonitis progressed very rapidly and he died.

Prognostic analysis of single fraction total body irradiation followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with leukemia / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To analyze the prognostic factors of patients with leukemia treated with single fraction total body irradiation (SFTBI) followed by hernatopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).Methods From January 2001 to September 2008, 102 patients received HSCT. The differences of the survival rate, relapse rate and incidence of interstitial pneumonia (IP) between groups regarding different genders, ages, pathological types, transplantation methods and TBI parameters were compared and the factors related with the survival rate, relapse rate and incidence of IP were analyzed. Results The followup time ranged from 15 to 1482 days (median, 406 days). The follow-up rate was 95.1%. 86 and 55patients were followed up more than one year and three years. The 1-and 3-year survival rates were 59.0%and 44.0%. In univariate analysis, the 3-year survival rate was signifcantly different between the groups with and without relapse before transplantation (20% vs. 55%, χ2 = 6.33, P = 0. 012), allogeneictranplantation versus autologous tranplantation (39% vs. 68%, χ2 = 8.06, P = 0.005), grade 3 or more acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) and grade 0 -2 aGVHD (0% vs. 54%, χ2 = 7.52, P = 0.006),with and without relapse after transplantation (19% vs. 58%, χ2 = 10.13, P =0.001), with and without IP (23% vs. 58%, χ2 =8.35, P=0.004). Multivariate analysis showed that grade 3 or more aGVHD was the only statistically significant prognostic factors (χ2 = 12. 74 ,P =0. 000). The l-and 3-year relapse rateswere 30. 0% and 50. 0%. The incidence of relapse was obviously higher in the group with relapse before transplantation than that without (47% vs. 16%, χ2 =7. 32, P=0. 007). Multivariate analysis showed thatrelapse before transplantation was a significant factor predicting relapse after transplantation (χ2 = 9. 39,P =0. 020). The cumulative incidence of IP was 35.0%. The incidence of IP was different between groups with dose homogeneity > 3% and ≤ 3% (27% vs. 4%, χ2 = 5. 21, P = 0. 023), with and without acute parotitis (34% vs. 3%, χ2 = 14. 15, P= 0.000), allogeneic transplantation group and autologous transplantation group (31% vs. 8%, χ2= 7.70, P= 0.006). Multivariate analysis showed that transplantation methods, acute parotitis and dose homogeneity were statistically significant factors in predictingIP (χ2 = 10. 08 , 10. 08 and 7.69 , P = 0. 002 , 0. 002 and 0. 010 , respectively) . Conclusions Patients who develop grade 3 or higher aGVHD have poor prognosis. Dose homogeneity influences the incidence of IP. Patients undergoing allogeneic transplantation are apt to have IP. Acute parotitis is related with IP and might be a predictor.

Rituximab-CHOP Induced Interstitial Pneumonitis in Patients with Disseminated Extranodal Marginal Zone B Cell Lymphoma

A 69-year-old male was diagnosed in February 2004 with stage IV extranodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma involving the mediastinal nodes, lung parenchyma and bone marrow with high LDH. Shortness of breath developed following the 5th course of Rituximab-CHOP chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Doxorubicin, Prednisolone). Bronchoscopy guided transbronchial lung biopsy revealed interstitial thickening and type II pneumocyte activation, compatible with interstitial pneumonitis. After treatment with prednisolone a complete resolution of the dyspnea was observed. The patient was well on routine follow-up at the outpatient clinic, with no progression of lymphoma or interstitial pneumonitis.

Rituximab-induced Interstitial Pneumonitis in a Young Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Side effects of rituximab are mild in most cases, but there have been a few cases of severe pulmonary toxicity reported in elderly patients. Here we report a case of interstitial pneumonitis following rituximab treatment in a young patient. A 35-year-old woman with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was admitted complaining of dry cough and dyspnea without fever after the 3 treatments with rituximab-CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone) chemotherapy. Her chest CT with high-resolution CT scanning confirmed the presence of bilateral diffuse ground-glass opacities. The analysis of arterial blood gases indicated hypoxemia. The pulmonary function testing showed a restrictive pattern. There were no other findings suggesting an infection. The findings were compatible with a rituximab-induced interstitial pneumonitis. After the patient was treated with prednisolone, the symptoms resolved. Cases with rituximab-induced interstitial pneumonitis develop principally in elderly patients. However, the condition also can occur in young patients.

Successful Treatment of Interstitial Pneumonitis Induced by Leflunomide / 대한류마티스학회지

Leflunomide is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug that has been available in Korea since 2003. Leflunomide induced interstitial pneumonitis has been reported as an adverse effect in other countries but not in Korea. A 57-year-old woman was treated with leflunomide since she had been resistant to methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine. She developed high fever, dyspnea, and non-productive cough 3 months after the administration of leflunomide. She was diagnosed leflunomide-induced interstitial pneumonitis based on history, physical, laboratory, radiologic and pathologic findings. The patient was treated by prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day with cholestyramine 24 g/day, resulting in dramatic improvement. Here we report a case of leflunomide induced pneumonitis treated successfully with high dose steroid.