title: Hypersensitivity systemic reaction following intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin: successful treatment with steroids.
abstract: Intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is an effective treatment for superficial bladder carcinoma. Serious complications, including disseminated BCG infection, are infrequent. We report a case of granulomatous hepatitis with pneumonitis following intravesical administration of BCG. Cultures for mycobacteria were negative in sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, liver and blood specimens. All symptoms disappeared within days after steroid therapy. Hypersensitivity reaction should be considered in patients with systemic symptoms after immunotherapy with BCG.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Molina
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rabian
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: D'Agay
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Modai
mesh_terms: D000283:Administration, Intravesical; D000328:Adult; D000542:Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D001500:BCG Vaccine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006101:Granuloma, Giant Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D001500:BCG Vaccine; D011241:Prednisone