HRCT is a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying amiodarone-induced pneumonitis and monitoring its regression after drug discontinuation.
Reversible HRCT opacities may signal amiodarone toxicity; case data leave open prospective monitoring studies.
Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic drug that can cause interstitial pneumonitis leading to pulmonary fibrosis. A 62-year-old man suffering from atrial fibrillation and recurrent dyspnea was treated with amiodarone. After 15 months of treatment, HRCT revealed bilateral interstitial and alveolar opacifications with high-attenuating pleural-parenchymal consolidations, suggesting amiodarone induced pneumonitis. Three months after cessation of amiodarone treatment, HRCT shows complete regression of pneumonitis. Amiodarone pneumonitis can be misinterpreted and mistreated in patients with further underlying diseases. The present case report demonstrates the diagnostic value of HRCT in the diagnosis of interstitial pneumonitis.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Poll et al. (2001) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: