Infliximab-induced interstitial lung disease

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Oct 13;14(10):e245726. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-245726.

Abstract

A 70-year-old man was referred to our respiratory department with non-productive cough over the past 6 months. High-resolution CT revealed reticular pattern with basal and peripheral predominance, centrilobular nodules and mild ground glass opacities. Serology tests were normal and bronchoalveolar lavage revealed lymphocytosis. Pulmonary function tests showed functional impairment and reduced diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. Meticulous evaluation of patient's medical history unveiled longitudinal administration of infliximab due to diagnosis of psoriasis. The working diagnosis of drug-induced interstitial lung disease was proposed following multidisciplinary discussion. Considerable radiological and functional improvement was determined 6 months following infliximab discontinuation without implementation of corticosteroids. To this end, the patient has reported remission of cough and functional improvement.

Keywords: biological agents; drugs: respiratory system; interstitial lung disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage
  • Humans
  • Infliximab / adverse effects
  • Lung
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial* / diagnosis
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial* / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Infliximab