[Drug-associated interstitial lung disease: a diagnostic challenge]

Rev Pneumol Clin. 2005 Jun;61(3):179-85. doi: 10.1016/s0761-8417(05)84810-2.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Drugs are frequently incriminated as the cause of interstitial pneumonia. There are two major mechanisms of drug-associated interstitial lung disease: direct toxicity and immunoallergic reaction. When a drug is suspected, the difficulty lies in obtaining proof. The chronology of the disease and its manifestations together with earlier evidence reported in the literature can lead to a tentative diagnosis of drug-associated interstitial pneumonia. Proof is obtained through surveillance during the disease course. In nearly all patients, therapeutic decisions must be taken on the basis of suspected drug involvement.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / chemically induced*
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / diagnosis*