[Sertraline-induced acute eosinophilic pneumonia: When a side effect becomes a clinical case]

Abstract

Introduction: Eosinophilic lung disease encompasses a group of diffuse pulmonary parenchymal diseases characterized by eosinophilic infiltration, either localized or associated with a systemic process. Acute eosinophilic pneumonia, a rare and severe form, is often confused with infectious pneumonia. Its main triggers include smoking, medication, and idiopathic causes. Cases reported in the literature link sertraline, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, to this condition.

Case report: A 15-year-old female patient was admitted to hospital for febrile dyspnea, cough, chest pain, and hypoxemia. Her medical history included treatment with sertraline and smoking. Thoracic imaging revealed bilateral infiltrates, and bronchoalveolar lavage showed significantly increased eosinophils. Discontinuation of sertraline and initiation of corticosteroid therapy led to clinical improvement.

Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of quickly identifying the rare adverse effects of antidepressants, particularly sertraline-induced acute eosinophilic pneumonia. Special attention is required when prescribing off-label this antidepressant to adolescents, especially in a context of rising mental health disorders in this population.

Keywords: Drug-induced pneumonia; Eosinophilia; Eosinophilic pneumonia; ISRS; Pneumonie à éosinophiles; Pneumopathie médicamenteuse; SSRI; Sertraline; Éosinophilie.