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. 2008 Sep 8;1(1):143.
doi: 10.1186/1757-1626-1-143.

Thalidomide-Related Eosinophilic Pneumonia: A case report and brief literature review

Lisa Tilluckdharry  1 , Robert Dean, Carol Farver, Muzaffar Ahmad
Affiliations

Thalidomide-Related Eosinophilic Pneumonia: A case report and brief literature review

Lisa Tilluckdharry et al. Cases J. .

Abstract

Thalidomide has regained value in the multimodality treatment of leprosy, multiple myeloma, prostate, ovarian and renal cancer. Complications related to arterial and venous complications are well described. However, pulmonary complications remain relatively uncommon. The most common pulmonary side-effect reported is non-specific dyspnea. We report a patient with multiple myeloma, who developed an eosinophilic pneumonia, shortly after starting thalidomide. She had complete resolution of her symptoms and pulmonary infiltrates on discontinuation of the drug and treatment with corticosteroids. Physicians should be cognizant of this potential complication in patients receiving thalidomide who present with dyspnea and pulmonary infiltrates.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
High-resolution transverse CT image shows extensive patchy ground-glass opacity throughout both lungs.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The lung pathology consists of a mild interstitial pneumonitis with scattered clusters of histiocytes within the alveolar space consistent with loosely-formed granulomas. (Hematoxylin and eosin, 100×).
Figure 3
Figure 3
High-resolution transverse CT image at the same levels as figure 1 shows resolution of ground-glass opacity.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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