Cocaine induced eosinophilic lung disease

Thorax. 1992 Jun;47(6):478-9. doi: 10.1136/thx.47.6.478.

Abstract

A patient developed fever, bronchoconstriction, hypoxaemia, pulmonary infiltrates, and serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid eosinophilia on two occasions after inhaling crack cocaine. Transbronchial biopsy specimens showed normal lung parenchyma but a dense eosinophilic infiltrate within the bronchial wall. Both episodes resolved promptly after treatment with corticosteroids. Eosinophilic lung disease may be a steroid responsive complication of crack cocaine abuse.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Bronchi / pathology
  • Crack Cocaine*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pulmonary Eosinophilia / chemically induced*
  • Pulmonary Eosinophilia / pathology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications*

Substances

  • Crack Cocaine