Early recognition of acute pneumonitis in amiodarone treatment

Abstract

Pulmonary complications of long-term amiodarone use are well known. However, acute pneumonitis causing respiratory distress with short-term administration of amiodarone although rare is associated with high mortality. Early diagnosis and treatment with glucocorticoids significantly decrease associated mortality and morbidity. We are reporting one such case of amiodarone-induced pulmonary pneumonitis and its complete resolution with short-course glucocorticoid therapy. Thus, every clinician prescribing amiodarone should be well acquainted with this entity.

Keywords

• Amiodarone
• amiodarone-induced pulmonary toxicity
• pneumonitis