Rituximab-induced Interstitial Pneumonitis in a Young Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
10.5045/kjh.2007.42.4.423
- Author:
Dong Mee LEE
1
;
Sung Yong OH
;
Hyun Ah YOON
;
Suee LEE
;
Sung Hyun KIM
;
Hyuk Chan KWON
;
Soo Keol LEE
;
Hyo Jin KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea. kimhj@dau.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Rituximab;
Interstitial pneumonitis;
Young patient;
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
- MeSH:
Adult;
Aged;
Anoxia;
Cough;
Doxorubicin;
Drug Therapy;
Dyspnea;
Female;
Fever;
Gases;
Humans;
Lung Diseases, Interstitial*;
Lymphoma, B-Cell;
Prednisolone;
Respiratory Function Tests;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed;
Vincristine;
Rituximab
- From:Korean Journal of Hematology
2007;42(4):423-427
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Side effects of rituximab are mild in most cases, but there have been a few cases of severe pulmonary toxicity reported in elderly patients. Here we report a case of interstitial pneumonitis following rituximab treatment in a young patient. A 35-year-old woman with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was admitted complaining of dry cough and dyspnea without fever after the 3 treatments with rituximab-CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone) chemotherapy. Her chest CT with high-resolution CT scanning confirmed the presence of bilateral diffuse ground-glass opacities. The analysis of arterial blood gases indicated hypoxemia. The pulmonary function testing showed a restrictive pattern. There were no other findings suggesting an infection. The findings were compatible with a rituximab-induced interstitial pneumonitis. After the patient was treated with prednisolone, the symptoms resolved. Cases with rituximab-induced interstitial pneumonitis develop principally in elderly patients. However, the condition also can occur in young patients.
