Propylthiouracil-induced bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia

Intern Med. 2013;52(23):2657-9. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.52.0817.

Abstract

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism. However, it is also associated with a number of adverse events. In particular, pulmonary complications, although rare, can be serious. Therefore, early detection is paramount. We herein describe a first case of PTU-induced bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) pathologically confirmed on a surgical lung biopsy. The present case shows that early detection coupled with the immediate withdrawal of PTU can lead to a successful resolution of symptoms and radiographic abnormalities without the need for corticosteroids. Although rare, PTU-induced BOOP should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary opacity in patients receiving PTU therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antithyroid Agents / adverse effects*
  • Biopsy
  • Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia / chemically induced*
  • Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia / diagnosis
  • Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia / diagnostic imaging
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Graves Disease / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Propylthiouracil / adverse effects*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Antithyroid Agents
  • Propylthiouracil