Hydroxyurea-induced acute interstitial lung disease.
Hydroxyurea is a cytotoxic agent that is being increasingly used for a number of malignant and nonmalignant systemic diseases. This agent is particularly well tolerated, with dose-related myelosuppression being the primary side effect. We describe a patient who had patchy interstitial infiltrates with cavitation 2 months after the start of therapy with hydroxyurea. After hydroxyurea therapy was discontinued and empiric corticosteroid therapy was given, the pulmonary infiltrates resolved. This is a case of presumed hydroxyurea-induced lung disease, the first with supportive lung biopsy material. It is essential for physicians to be aware of this potentially life-threatening toxicity.
Kavuru
M S
MS
Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH.
Gadsden
T
T
Lichtin
A
A
Gephardt
G
G
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006918:Hydroxyurea / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage
D011239:Prednisolone; D006918:Hydroxyurea