Acute respiratory failure and pulmonary fibrosis secondary to administration of mycophenolate mofetil.
BACKGROUND
We report the first documented case of pulmonary toxicity to mycophenolate mofetil in this article.


METHODS
A 51-year-old woman experienced systemic reactions beginning 10 days after cadaveric renal transplantation.


RESULTS
Recurrent respiratory failure and documented progressive pulmonary fibrosis ensued. Cultures were negative and other agents were discontinued. It was not until the mycophenolate was stopped did the patient improve.


CONCLUSIONS
Mycophenolate mofetil can cause acute respiratory failure simulating opportunistic infection or pulmonary edema. If not recognized, this may lead to the rapid development of severe pulmonary fibrosis, some of which may not be reversible.
Gross
D C
DC
Department of Medicine, Washington Hospital Center, DC 20010, USA.
Sasaki
T M
TM
Buick
M K
MK
Light
J A
JA
D001706:Biopsy; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid