Amiodarone-induced alveolar haemorrhage: a rare complication of a common medication

Heart Lung Circ. 2010 Jul;19(7):435-7. doi: 10.1016/j.hlc.2010.01.008. Epub 2010 Mar 30.

Abstract

Amiodarone pulmonary toxicity (APT) is a common and distinctive form of drug-induced lung injury. Several patterns have been described and the most common pattern of APT is interstitial pneumonitis. However, amiodarone-induced diffused alveolar haemorrhage is rarely reported. We describe a case of early onset of APT manifested by respiratory distress, haemoptysis, severe hypoxia and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates that was finally diagnosed with amiodarone-induced diffuse alveolar haemorrhage. High suspicion of APT in patients with these non-specific clinical symptoms is needed. Early recognition and treatment are imperative.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amiodarone / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / adverse effects*
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / drug therapy
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Hemorrhage / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / chemically induced*
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / complications
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Alveoli*
  • Pulmonary Edema / etiology

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Amiodarone