A Case of Interstitial Pneumonitis Induced by Acitretin.
- Author:
Sung Du KIM
1
;
Yoon Jeong KIM
;
Seouk Chan KO
;
Ho Jun LEE
;
Jae Phil CHOI
;
Heon LEE
;
Suhyun KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. sammy7597@naver.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Acitretin;
Interstitial pneumonitis;
Pustular psoriasis
- MeSH:
Acitretin;
Etretinate;
Half-Life;
Humans;
Hyperlipidemias;
Hyperostosis;
Lung;
Lung Diseases, Interstitial;
Middle Aged;
Pancreatitis;
Pseudotumor Cerebri;
Psoriasis;
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult;
Retinoids;
Tretinoin
- From:Korean Journal of Medicine
2011;80(Suppl 2):S183-S187
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Retinoids are effective systemic agents in the treatment of psoriasis. Acitretin, a synthetic aromatic derivative of retinoic acid, has replaced etretinate in retinoid therapy of psoriasis because of its more favorable pharmacokinetic profile, including a significantly shorter half-life. Most of the adverse effects associated with acitretin are teratogenicity, hepatotoxicity, pseudotumor cerebri, pancreatitis, hyperlipidemia, hyperostosis, and mucocutaneous side effects. There are two reports worldwide describing patients who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with acitretin. This suggests the possibility of serious lung complications associated with acitretin. We report a case of a 61-year-old man who developed interstitial pneumonitis that might have been induced by acitretin during the treatment of pustular psoriasis. In these cases, immediate withdrawal of retinoic acid is necessary, and corticosteroid therapy should be considered.
