Phenytoin-induced acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Lung India. 2015 Nov-Dec;32(6):631-4. doi: 10.4103/0970-2113.168126.

Abstract

Lungs are target organs for toxic effects of various drugs due to many reasons. Diphenylhydantoin (DPH) is reported to have many extrapulmonary side effects. We are presenting a case of acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) secondary to DPH, presenting with respiratory failure. Acute HP with respiratory failure is an uncommon drug side effect of the DPH therapy and is a diagnosis of exclusion. It requires detailed workup and exclusion of other causes along with evidence of improvement in the patient's condition after withholding DPH.

Keywords: Diphenylhydantoin; drug-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis; hypersensitivity pneumonitis.