Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0032285 (pneumonia)
 54,520 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Amiodarone hydrochloride (Cordarone) is an effective antiarrhythmic drug which can cause a potentially fatal pneumonitis. The clinical diagnosis is difficult and investigation non-specific. Narrow section computed tomography (CT) was performed in nine patients who developed new respiratory symptoms during treatment with amiodarone. All had chest radiographs prior to CT, six had respiratory function tests and four had serum amiodarone estimations. High density basal peripheral pleuro-parenchymal lesions were seen in four of the nine patients. These appearances were compatible with those previously detected in other pulmonary interstitial lung diseases. We suggest that CT is a useful investigation in patients with suspected amiodarone pulmonary toxicity.
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PMID:The value of computed tomography in the diagnosis of amiodarone-induced pulmonary toxicity. 259 81

Amiodarone hydrochloride, used for prophylaxis of recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias that are resistant to other agents, may cause toxic pulmonary reactions associated with abnormal chest radiographs. The authors review four new cases of amiodarone-induced toxicity and eight cases reported in the literature. Peripheral areas of consolidation, predominantly in the upper lobes and resembling chronic eosinophilic pneumonia or tuberculosis, and diffuse interstitial disease were seen. Clinical symptoms included dyspnea on exertion, weakness, and occasionally pleuritic pain. Radiographic abnormalities developed after a median latency period of six months on the drug (600 to 800 mg daily). Pathologic findings suggested a possible toxic effect of the drug on phospholipid metabolism in the lung. Amiodarone toxicity may lead to significant pulmonary insufficiency. The clinical symptoms and radiographic abnormalities were completely reversible upon cessation of drug use and institution of corticosteroid treatment. Resolution generally occurs within three months.
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PMID:Lung disease caused by amiodarone, a new antiarrythmic agent. 683 14