Sertraline-Induced Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia

Abstract

Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) is a rare but severe respiratory syndrome characterized by fever, hypoxemic respiratory failure, diffuse pulmonary infiltrates, and pulmonary eosinophilia. The most common cause of AEP is idiopathic, but it can be associated with antidepressant medications like sertraline. A 76-year-old female presented to our ED with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. She had no history of smoking or prior lung disease. She did not improve after treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics so a trial of corticosteroids was initiated. Her work-up was negative for infectious or collagen vascular causes of the respiratory failure. She was diagnosed with AEP associated with sertraline. Her condition improved with corticosteroid therapy after discontinuation of sertraline. This case report highlights AEP as a possible adverse reaction of sertraline. Prompt discontinuation of the offending drug is necessary for early recovery.

Keywords: acute eosinophilic pneumonia; antidepressants; eosinophilic pneumonia; sertraline; ssri.

Figure 1. Chest X-ray.

Arrows showing diffuse interstitial opacity

Figure 2. Contrast CT scan chest.

Arrows showing patchy areas of ground glass opacity