Diffuse alveolar damage in a patient receiving dronedarone

Chest. 2015 Apr;147(4):e131-e133. doi: 10.1378/chest.14-1849.

Abstract

Dronedarone is an amiodarone-like antiarrhythmic with a modified structure. The addition of a methyl sulfonyl group theoretically reduces the toxicity of amiodarone, specifically, adverse thyroid and pulmonary effects. Although animal studies have implicated dronedarone as a cause of lung injury, to date controlled trials in humans have not demonstrated an association. A 68-year-old woman developed a dry cough and worsening respiratory distress after receiving dronedarone for 6 months. Discontinuation of dronedarone therapy and subsequent steroid therapy led to a dramatic improvement of symptoms. Dronedarone may be associated with interstitial lung disease. We believe that patients receiving dronedarone should have their diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide and lung volumes monitored prior to initiation of therapy and frequently thereafter.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amiodarone / adverse effects
  • Amiodarone / analogs & derivatives*
  • Amiodarone / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use
  • Atrial Fibrillation / drug therapy
  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dronedarone
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / chemically induced*
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / drug effects*
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Dronedarone
  • Amiodarone