Interstitial pneumonitis in a patient treated with amiodarone - case report

Anna Paczek; Monika Szturmowicz; Elżbieta Wiatr; Barbara Burakowska; Anna Fijałkowska; Adam Torbicki

Vol 76, No 2 (2008)

Case report

Published online: 2008-04-28

Submitted: 2013-02-22

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Interstitial pneumonitis in a patient treated with amiodarone - case report

Anna Paczek, Monika Szturmowicz, Elżbieta Wiatr, Barbara Burakowska, Anna Fijałkowska, Adam Torbicki

Pneumonol Alergol Pol 2008;76(2):118-124.

Vol 76, No 2 (2008)

CASE REPORTS

Published online: 2008-04-28

Submitted: 2013-02-22

Abstract

Amiodarone, antiarrhythmic drug of III class is used in patients with supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, often with coexisting congestive heart failure. Side effects of amiodarone treatment are observed in approximately 75% of patients. Most dangerous are the symptoms of amiodarone pulmonary toxicity occuring in 2-17% of patients. We present a patient with COPD, in whom interstitial pneumonitis with radiologic features of organizing pneumonia developed after one year of amiodaron treatment due to supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. The drug was stopped and steroids were introduced due to marked respiratory insufficiency. Regression of pulmonary symptoms and improvement of ventilatory parameters were observed after 3 months of treatment. Pathogenesis, diagnostic procedures and current methods of treatment of this jatrogenic disease are discussed.