Wolkove N, Baltzan M, et al.
Canadian respiratory journal. Date of publication 2009 Mar 1;volume 16(2):43-8.
1. Can Respir J. 2009 Mar-Apr;16(2):43-8.
Amiodarone pulmonary toxicity.
Wolkove N(1), Baltzan M.
Author information:
(1)Mount Sinai Hospital Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
norluco@yahoo.com
Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic agent commonly used to treat supraventricular and
ventricular arrhythmias. This drug is an iodinecontaining compound that tends to
accumulate in several organs, including the lungs. It has been associated with a
variety of adverse events. Of these events, the most serious is amiodarone
pulmonary toxicity. Although the incidence of this complication has decreased
with the use of lower doses of amiodarone, it can occur with any dose. Because
amiodarone is widely used, all clinicians should be vigilant of this possibility.
Pulmonary toxicity usually manifests as an acute or subacute pneumonitis,
typically with diffuse infiltrates on chest x-ray and high-resolution computed
tomography. Other, more localized, forms of pulmonary toxicity may occur,
including pleural disease, migratory infiltrates, and single or multiple nodules.
With early detection, the prognosis is good. Most patients diagnosed promptly
respond well to the withdrawal of amiodarone and the administration of
corticosteroids, which are usually given for four to 12 months. It is important
that physicians be familiar with amiodarone treatment guidelines and follow
published recommendations for the monitoring of pulmonary as well as
extrapulmonary adverse effects.
DOI: 10.1155/2009/282540
PMCID: PMC2687560
PMID: 19399307 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
