[Methotrexate pneumonitis]

Praxis (Bern 1994). 1999 Mar 25;88(13):573-8.
[Article in German]

Abstract

A 72 year old female with rheumatoid arthritis was treated with methotrexate for nine months. Four days before admission she complained of dyspnea NYHA III. Chest-X-ray revealed diffuse interstitial pneumopathy. Pulmonary infection was excluded by several microbiological samples. A pulmonary manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis is usually more chronic. Methotrexate-induced pneumonitis remained the most probable diagnosis. We halted methotrexate and initiated therapy with glucocorticoids. This treatment led to rapid clinical improvement and complete resolution of radiological changes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antirheumatic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / chemically induced*
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / diagnostic imaging
  • Methotrexate / administration & dosage
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects*
  • Radiography

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Methotrexate