Rituximab-Induced Immune Dysregulation Leading to Organizing Pneumonia, Bronchiectasis, and Pulmonary Fibrosis

Abstract

We present a case of rituximab-induced organizing pneumonia (OP) along with bronchiectasis and pulmonary fibrosis, in a patient with a history of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), on long-term maintenance therapy with rituximab. T-cell dysregulation and B-cell depletion associated with the chronic use of rituximab often lead to a profound immunosuppressed state with hypogammaglobulinemia and unbalanced T-cell response. This acquired immunodeficient state with severe immune dysregulation predisposed this patient to recurrent pulmonary infection and ultimately led to bronchiectasis and pulmonary fibrosis.

Keywords: bronchiectasis; granulomatosis with polyangiitis; humoral immunity; hypogammaglobulinemia; immunosuppression therapy; pulmonary fibrosis; rituximab.