Rheumatoid arthritis associated with methotrexate-induced pneumonitis: improvement with i.v. cyclophosphamide therapy

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 1999 May-Jun;17(3):355-8.

Abstract

Pneumonitis is one of the most serious adverse effects associated with low-dose weekly methotrexate (MTX) therapy. Immediate cessation of MTX, and the introduction of oxygen therapy and glucocorticoids usually results in a dramatic improvement in the pulmonary toxicity. We report here a case of MTX-induced pneumonitis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Severe hypoxemia and interstitial infiltration in both lung fields did not respond to the withdrawal of MTX and the administration of oxygen and steroid pulse therapy. When intravenous cyclophosphamide (CYC) pulse therapy was initiated, however, rapid physiologic and radiographic improvement was seen. Our case suggests that CYC treatment may have a beneficial effect on MTX-induced pneumonitis that is resistant to steroid therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / chemically induced
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / diagnosis
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / drug therapy
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects*
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use
  • Pneumonia / chemically induced*
  • Pneumonia / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Methotrexate