Mesalamine-induced lung toxicity.
Lung toxicity associated with 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) agents is a rare entity. We report the case of a 32-yr-old woman with ulcerative colitis who developed progressive shortness of breath while taking one of the 5-ASA drugs, oral mesalamine. Bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, peripheral eosinophilia, and histological findings consistent with acute pneumonitis characterized the lung injury. Although the differential diagnosis is broad, mesalamine-induced lung damage must be considered in patients who develop unexplained respiratory symptoms while taking this agent.
Bitton
A
A
Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Peppercorn
M A
MA
Hanrahan
J P
JP
Upton
M P
MP
D000328:Adult; D000636:Aminosalicylic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D019804:Mesalamine
D000636:Aminosalicylic Acids; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D019804:Mesalamine