Acute eosinophilic pneumonia associated with antidepressant agents

Authors: Barnés M.T.¹; Bascuñana J.²; García B.¹; L. Alvarez-Sala J.³

Source: Pharmacy World and Science, Volume 21, Number 5, October 1999 , pp. 241-242(2)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Acute eosinophilic pneumonia is a severe syndrome characterized by fever, lung infiltrates, blood eosinophilia and respiratory failure. We describe a case of acute eosinophilic pneumonia associated with clomipramine and sertraline. A 40-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department with 37.9 °C and respiratory rate of 35 respirations per minute. Blood analysis showed PaO_2 = 57.6 mm Hg and HCO_3‐ = 21.7 mmol/l and 12.2 % eosinophils. Chest X-ray showed infiltrates in both lower lobes. She was taking clomipramine 25 mg bid for the last 4 weeks and sertraline 50 mg/day for the last week. Other causes of acute eosinophilic pneumonia such as parasitic and fungal infections or collagen diseases were discarded. Both antidepressant were stopped and the patient became afebrile and asymptomatic. A week later the patient was discharged from hospital. Physicians should be aware of this adverse antidepresant reaction which may result in severe pulmonary symptoms.

Keywords: Acute eosinophilic pneumonia; Antidepressant; Clomipramine; Sertraline

Language: English

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: Hospital Severo-Ochoa, Avda. Orellana s/n, 28911 Leganés, Madrid, Spain. 2: Department of Clinical Pharmacy, St. Hospital Severo-Ochoa, Avda. Orellana s/n, 28911 Leganés, Madrid, Spain. 3: Hospital Universitario, San Carlos, Madrid.

Publication date: 1999-10-01