Gold-induced pneumonitis.
Gold-induced pneumonitis is a rare complication of gold salt therapy. We describe a patient with rheumatoid arthritis treated with gold salts, who developed bilateral interstitial pulmonary abnormalities and showed a dramatic response on corticosteroid therapy. Although after 4 weeks of treatment with corticosteroids the chest X-ray and lung function were still abnormal, bronchoalveolar lavage showed a normal cell distribution. Corticosteroid therapy was continued for 8 months since there was still improvement of pulmonary function studies. This case supports the view that in gold-induced pneumonitis a prolonged treatment with corticosteroids may be necessary, as lung function continued to improve.
Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Academic Hospital Dijkzigt, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
R
R
Slingerland
H C
HC
Hoogsteden
H J
HJ
Adriaansen
T H
TH
van der Kwast
C
C
Hilvering
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006046:Gold / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D011859:Radiography; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D006046:Gold