Organizing Pneumonia Associated with Pegylated Interferon α and Ribavirin Therapy

Case Rep Pulmonol. 2015:2015:794592. doi: 10.1155/2015/794592. Epub 2015 Jan 29.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus infection is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in the United States of America. Pegylated interferon α and ribavirin combination is the mainstay of treatment. Severe pulmonary toxicities are rarely reported. We report here a case of severe form of organizing pneumonia secondary to pegylated interferon α therapy presenting as acute respiratory failure. Patient has near complete recovery with withdrawal of pegylated interferon α and steroid therapy. We report this case to raise the awareness of this rare but potentially life-threatening pulmonary complication of pegylated interferon α therapy.