Amiodarone-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Evidence of an immunological cell-mediated mechanism

Chest. 1984 Jan;85(1):133-5. doi: 10.1378/chest.85.1.133.

Abstract

Interstitial pneumonitis developed in a patient who had received a cumulative dose of 985 g of amiodarone in nine years. No other cause for pneumonitis was found. The following findings favor an immunologic mechanism of hypersensitivity due to amiodarone: positive skin and basophil degranulation tests with amiodarone; lymphocytosis and inverted ratio of helper/suppressor T lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid; secretion of leukocyte inhibitory factor, as shown by the inhibition of migration of peripheral blood leukocytes; and positive lymphoblastic transformation in the presence of amiodarone.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / chemically induced*
  • Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / immunology
  • Amiodarone / adverse effects*
  • Benzofurans / adverse effects*
  • Cell Migration Inhibition
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / etiology*
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Leukocytes / immunology
  • Male
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / chemically induced*
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / immunology
  • Skin Tests
  • T-Lymphocytes
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Benzofurans
  • Amiodarone