Acute sirolimus pulmonary toxicity in an infant heart transplant recipient: case report and literature review

J Heart Lung Transplant. 2007 Mar;26(3):296-8. doi: 10.1016/j.healun.2006.12.004.

Abstract

Sirolimus-associated pulmonary disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome in transplant recipients receiving this drug. It represents a rare, potentially lethal, and yet reversible adverse effect. We report the case an infant who presented with acute respiratory distress 57 days after heart transplantation 3 days after starting sirolimus. The acute presentation and prompt resolution after discontinuation of this drug suggest a direct toxic effect to the lungs. To our knowledge, this is the first published pediatric description of this syndrome after heart transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Chylothorax / chemically induced
  • Chylothorax / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Heart Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Infant
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / chemically induced
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / chemically induced*
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging
  • Sirolimus / adverse effects*
  • Sirolimus / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Sirolimus