Amiodarone Induced Pulmonary Toxicity: A Fatal Case Report

Abstract

Amiodarone Induced Pulmonary Toxicity (AIPT) is a rare but one of the most serious adverse event that can be potentially life threatening. The incidence of AIPT is 2% to 10% and mortality rate ranges from 10% to 50% in patients who develop Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Age, preexisting lung disease, cumulative dose, thoracic surgery and pulmonary angiography are the risk factors associated with AIPT. Although there is no pathognomonic clinical, laboratory, radiographic or histological findings the diagnosis depends on clinical suspicion and exclusion of other possibilities of pulmonary disease. We present a case of 77-year-old man who presented with symptoms of pneumonia and diagnosed as AIPT by the elimination method for specific and non-specific pulmonary infection. Despite discontinuation of amiodarone and systemic therapy with corticosteroids the patient continued worsen. Pre-existing lung disease, the rapid onset of the clinical picture and the extent of lung injury on CT were the poor prognostic factors for our patient.

Early amiodarone pneumonitis: A case report

“…Amiodarone, a class III antiarrhythmic drug is an iodinated benzofuran derivate used as a potent agent for the prevention and treatment of life-threatening ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. 1 Its iodine-containing compound gives amiodarone the tendency to build up in various organs, such as the lungs. Although many adverse reactions and side effects of amiodarone have been reported, pulmonary toxicity and pneumonitis could perhaps be one of the critical adverse effects.…”

“…Amiodarone, a class III antiarrhythmic drug is an iodinated benzofuran derivate used as a potent agent for the prevention and treatment of life‐threatening ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias 1 …”

Early amiodarone pneumonitis: a case report

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Consider amiodarone pneumonitis as an important differential diagnosis of ARDS , especially In clinically ill patients with renal failure who recently received Intravenous amiodarone .

INTRODUCTION:Amiodarone, a class III antiarrhythmic drug is an iodinated benzofuran derivate used as a potent agent for the prevention and treatment of life-threatening ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. [1] Its iodine-containing compound gives amiodarone the tendency to build up in various organs, such as the lungs. Although many adverse reactions and side effects of amiodarone have been reported, pulmonary toxicity and pneumonitis could perhaps be one of the critical adverse effects.

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