Interferon-alpha therapy associated with the development of sarcoidosis.
Interferons (IFNs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. In particular, IFN-gamma has been linked to pulmonary macrophage activation, a characteristic feature of sarcoidosis. IFN-alpha is now being administered therapeutically in a variety of conditions. To date, IFN-alpha has not been implicated in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. We report the case of a 50-year-old woman who developed sarcoidosis while being treated with IFN-alpha for chronic myelogenous leukemia. Her disease activity correlated with the dosage of IFN-alpha. We speculate that the immunomodulatory effects of IFN-alpha triggered clinical manifestations of sarcoidosis in this patient.
Pietropaoli
A
A
Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY 14642-8692, USA. AnthonyvPietropaoli@URMC.rochester.edu
Modrak
J
J
Utell
M
M
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / Q000188:drug therapy; D008262:Macrophage Activation; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D017565:Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / Q000139:chemically induced*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha