[Sertraline-induced chronic eosinophilic pneumonia]

Rev Mal Respir. 2021 Feb;38(2):210-214. doi: 10.1016/j.rmr.2020.11.012. Epub 2021 Feb 10.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor which is often used as first-line treatment for depression. Several patterns of interstitial lung disease attributable to sertraline have been reported in the literature.

Case report: A 69-year-old patient, who had been taking sertraline to treat severe depression for 10 months, presented with a deterioration in his general condition and respiratory symptoms found to be associated with bilateral pneumonitis. An exhaustive assessment did not reveal any infectious or autoimmune aetiology. Transthoracic lung biopsy revealed a pattern of eosinophilic lung disease. Sertraline-induced lung toxicity was then suspected and this treatment was therefore stopped. The patient's symptoms resolved and the chest imaging normalized.

Conclusions: Our observation suggests that sertraline was the cause of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia characterized by an insidious clinical presentation several months after starting the medication. Given its widespread prescription, we encourage any clinician facing this disease to pay attention to possible drug-induced origins of lung disease.

Keywords: Depression; Drug-induced lung disease; Dépression; Inhibiteurs de la recapture de la sérotonine; Pneumonie à éosinophiles; Pneumopathie médicamenteuse; Pulmonary eosinophilia; Serotonin reuptake inhibitors; Sertraline.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Eosinophilia* / chemically induced
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors* / adverse effects
  • Sertraline* / adverse effects

Substances

  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Sertraline