Atypical pulmonary and neurologic complications of amiodarone in the same patient. Report of a case and review of the literature.
Atypical manifestations of pulmonary toxicity and previously unreported autonomic nervous system dysfunction complicating amiodarone therapy were observed in a patient being treated for sustained ventricular tachycardia. Pulmonary and hepatic nodules on computed tomographic scan masquerading as metastatic carcinoma were initially noted. Focal infiltrates and a large left pleural effusion mimicking infection, malignant neoplasm, or collagen vascular disease became manifest at a later stage. Autonomic dysfunction presented as incapacitating orthostatic hypotension and persisted for six weeks after amiodarone withdrawal. The pleuropulmonary toxic effects were reversible on discontinuation of amiodarone therapy, and resolution was hastened by short-course steroid treatment.
Manolis
A S
AS
Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratory, Tufts/New England Medical Center, Boston, MA.
Tordjman
T
T
Mack
K D
KD
Estes
N A
NA
D000368:Aged; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001342:Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007024:Hypotension, Orthostatic / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000188:drug therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000638:Amiodarone