Mesalazine-induced Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

Abstract

A 57-year-old woman with Crohn's disease (ulcerative proctitis) treated with mesalazine (5-ASA) developed worsening respiratory distress and cough. The lack of response to antibiotics and the results of bronchoalveolar lavage led to the diagnosis of mesalazine-related hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an infrequent entity. Symptoms improved after discontinuation of mesalazine and the administration of corticosteroid therapy. The authors discuss the diagnosis and management of this rare condition.

Keywords

• mesalazine
• ulcerative colitis
• drug reaction
• hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• lung injury