title: Amiodarone-induced pulmonary toxicity: case study with syndrome analysis.
abstract: Amiodarone is often prescribed for the control of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. While generally effective, the potential for a variety of side effects is substantial. Pulmonary toxicity, leading to acute or chronic respiratory failure, manifests with cough, dyspnea, infiltrates on chest radiograph, and a potential for progression to death. Although routinely cited as an adverse effect of amiodarone, it is relatively rare in terms of statistical incidence. In an effort to shed light on this syndrome, we present a stereotypical case study in amiodarone-induced pulmonary toxicity, as a prelude to a review of theorized pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, therapeutics, monitoring recommendations, and areas for future research.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Purdue University, 502 N. University St., West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA.
authors.forename: Theodore E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Van Cott
authors.forename: Karen S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Yehle
authors.forename: Susan K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: DeCrane
authors.forename: Janet R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Thorlton
mesh_terms: D000638:Amiodarone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000188:drug therapy; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000638:Amiodarone