Phenytoin-Associated Granulomatous Pulmonary Vasculitis

Am J Ther. 2016 Jan-Feb;23(1):e311-4. doi: 10.1097/MJT.0000000000000006.

Abstract

Phenytoin was introduced in 1938 for the control of seizure disorders and remains widely used today. Since that time, many cases of phenytoin-induced allergic reactions and clinical pulmonary disease have been reported. However, pulmonary vascular pathology from phenytoin use has been only very rarely described. We report a case of phenytoin-associated vasculitis in a 39-year-old African American man presenting with progressive dyspnea and abnormal chest imaging. The importance of reviewing the medication history along with familiarity with the array of drug-associated lung diseases is crucial to recognize and treat pneumotoxicity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Granuloma / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Male
  • Phenytoin / adverse effects*
  • Vasculitis / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Phenytoin