Key result
Amiodarone withdrawal reverses drug-induced organizing pneumonia and Blue Man Syndrome in a case report.
Why the study?
Amiodarone pulmonary toxicity can present as cryptogenic organizing pneumonia and Blue Man Syndrome, but recognition of these pleiotropic toxicities is challenging.
Case Report (n=1)
This case highlights the importance of recognizing amiodarone-induced pulmonary toxicity and Blue Man Syndrome, emphasizing early drug withdrawal and multidisciplinary management.
Background: Amiodarone is a prevalent antiarrhythmic medication with efficacy and a risk for serious adverse effects, most importantly pulmonary toxicity and dermatologic presentation. Amiodarone pulmonary toxicity (APT) can manifest as interstitial lung disease or cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) mimicking infection or malignancy. Blue Man Syndrome is a rare cutaneous appearance that indicates chronic amiodarone exposure in less than 3% of patient using amiodarone medication . Case Presentation: A 57-year-old male patient with a history of mitral valve replacement , 8 years amiodarone therapy who was admitted through the emergency department with dyspnea, dry cough, low-grade fever, and skin discoloration for 10 days. He was initially evaluated for community-acquired pneumonia. But, lack of response to antibiotics and presence of a reversed halo sign on high-resolution CT scan also negative sputum, excluding infectious culture etiology, rendered APT as a cause of COP diagnosis. In addition, Blue Man Syndrome was present in the patient, which was an amiodarone dermatologic side effect. Amiodarone withdrawal and multidisciplinary assessment led to radiologic and clinical improvement. Conclusion: This case stresses the importance of recognizing the pleiotropic toxicities of amiodarone, including pulmonary and cutaneous. Early diagnosis by imaging and clinical correlation and withdrawal of the offending drug in a timely manner are necessary to prevent additional morbidity. Multidisciplinary approach is essential in handling complex adverse drug reactions.
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Mohammad Alasmri , Ayman Allam , Bassam Al-Mutari , Yazid Dajam , Firas Rabian , Anas Al-Qawzi, Balghith Al-Qawzi , Anas Ahmed , Nawaf Turky , Abdulrahman Bin Saeed (2025) conducted a case report in Amiodarone-induced pulmonary toxicity and Blue Man Syndrome (n=1). Amiodarone was evaluated on Clinical and radiological improvement. Amiodarone withdrawal and multidisciplinary management led to clinical and radiological improvement in a patient with amiodarone-induced cryptogenic organizing pneumonia and Blue Man Syndrome.
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