T helper cell alveolitis after bacillus Calmette-Guerin immunotherapy for superficial bladder tumor.
We report a case of T helper cell alveolitis after intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy for a superficial bladder tumor. Despite the clinical appearance of miliary pulmonary tuberculosis no mycobacterial agent was found. Therefore, we concluded that the patient had a hypersensitivity reaction similar to sarcoidosis. The condition improved after immunosuppressive therapy with glucocorticosteroids. Differentiation of bronchoalveolar cells could be useful in distinguishing hypersensitivity to infection with BCG.
Reinert
K U
KU
Department of Pneumology, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany.
Sybrecht
G W
GW
D000368:Aged; D000542:Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / Q000209:etiology*; D001500:BCG Vaccine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy
D001500:BCG Vaccine