Relapsing nitrofurantoin-induced pneumonitis

Abstract

Nitrofurantoin has well-described associations with a range of adverse pulmonary effects. We report the case of a 72-year old woman with relapsing pneumonitis secondary to the intermittent use of nitrofurantoin, a pattern of disease not well-represented in the literature. The case is also noteworthy as the diagnosis was initially overlooked due to the circumstances of the patient's medication use. Lung biopsy was avoided by detailed history taking.

Keywords: Adverse drug effect; Pneumotoxicity.

Fig. 1

Chest radiograph two months prior to first hospital clinic visit.

Fig. 2

Chest radiograph one month prior to first hospital clinic visit.

Fig. 3

CT image shortly after first hospital clinic visit.

Fig. 4

Chest radiograph at time of acute hospital admission.

Fig. 5

CT four weeks after avoidance of nitrofurantoin.