Sirolimus-induced pulmonary hypersensitivity associated with a CD4 T-cell infiltrate

Chest. 2006 Jun;129(6):1718-21. doi: 10.1378/chest.129.6.1718.

Abstract

The differential diagnosis of pulmonary infiltrates after solid-organ transplantation presents a broad differential diagnosis including opportunistic infections and drug-induced lung disease. We report an adult liver transplant recipient who had breathlessness and pulmonary infiltrates following the introduction of sirolimus, and in whom transbronchial biopsy demonstrated a granulomatous interstitial pneumonitis and an organizing pneumonia with a CD4 T-cell infiltrate suggesting a T-helper cell-associated reaction to a processed sirolimus protein complex. Withdrawal of sirolimus produced a rapid clinical and radiologic improvement. This case indicates that with the increasing use of sirolimus, clinicians need to be aware of pulmonary hypersensitivity from this agent.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / chemically induced*
  • Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / diagnosis
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Pneumonia / chemically induced*
  • Pneumonia / diagnosis
  • Sirolimus / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Sirolimus