Azathioprine and Acute Restrictive Lung Disease

Summary: A 20-year-old male patient with ulcerative colitis is thought to have developed acute restrictive lung disease as a consequence of azathioprine therapy. After taking azathioprine for six weeks in a daily dose of 100 mg, the patient developed a dry cough and rapidly increasing exertional dyspnoea. Chest x-ray film revealed basal shadowing. Spirometric studies showed a severe reduction in vital capacity and F.E.V. 1.0 second of restrictive pattern. Carbon monoxide gas transfer was 53% of predicted normal. Following cessation of the drug symptoms disappeared and respiratory function returned to normal.