A Case of Interstitial Pneumonitis Induced by Acitretin / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

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.