The role of induced sputum in amiodarone-associated interstitial lung diseases.
Amiodarone, a highly effective medication for suppressing cardiac rhythm disturbances, may cause pulmonary injury, such as chronic interstitial lung diseases, in 5-15% of the patients who take it. We applied induced sputum (IS), a non-invasive technique, for diagnosing amiodarone-induced pulmonary toxicity. Four patients with interstitial lung disease who were treated by amiodarone for ischemic heart diseases were evaluated by a conventional clinical workup. All four patients showed marked interstitial pattern on computerized tomography and decreased diffusion capacity (DLCO-SB 51-76%). IS showed lymphocytosis, a high CD4 or CD8 count, eosinophilia and amiodarone in 3 of 4 patients. IS may be a useful tool for assessing amiodarone toxicity in patients with ischemic heart diseases and concomitant pulmonary side effects.
Fireman
Elizabeth
E
The Institute of Pulmonary and Allergic Diseases, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Tel-Aviv, Israel. fireman@tasmc.health.gov.il
Topilsky
Ian
I
Viskin
Sami
S
Priel
Israel E
IE
D000368:Aged; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy; D013183:Sputum
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000638:Amiodarone