title: Amiodarone induced pulmonary toxicity: An unusual response to steroids.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Amiodarone, class III anti-arrhythmic was originally introduced to treat angina pectoris, was later approved by FDA in 1985 for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias. Despite its anti-arrhythmic properties, amiodarone is associated with side effects such as thyroid dysfunction, corneal deposits, bluish skin discoloration, neuropathy and pulmonary toxicity. Amiodarone induced pulmonary toxicity (AIPT) is one of the most serious side effect thus limiting its use.
  
  
  METHODS
  We encountered a 66 year old male with early onset AIPT who presented with dyspnea and chest imaging revealed extensive ground-glass opacities throughout lung parenchyma with rapid resolution of these opacities in a week following treatment with corticosteroids.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There have been few case reports of AIPT with complete resolution of ground glass opacities on treatment with corticosteroids, but none demonstrated a rapid response to corticosteroids. Heath care providers should withdraw amiodarone at the earliest suspicion (as illustrated in our case); any delay can potentially be fatal. This case highlights the fact that AIPT is a reversible phenomenon, provided its early recognition and treatment before fibrosis sets in This case also highlights the need to include AIPT in the differential diagnosis in any patient on amiodarone who presents with shortness of breath.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, U.S.A.
authors.forename: Jalaj
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Garg
authors.forename: Nikhil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Agrawal
authors.forename: Abhishek
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marballi
authors.forename: Sahil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Agrawal
authors.forename: Naveen
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rawat
authors.forename: Sachin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sule
authors.forename: Stuart G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Lehrman
keywords: amiodarone; interstitial lung disease; lung toxicity