Korean J Med.  2014 Oct;87(4):496-500. 10.3904/kjm.2014.87.4.496.

Azacitidine-Induced Lung Injury in a Patient with Myelodysplastic Syndrome

• Kim HC
• Kim SH
• Ahn JH
• Kwon HM
• Choi JH
• Kim TH
• Lee JH

• KMID: 2269228
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjm.2014.87.4.496

Abstract

In randomized phase 3 clinical trials azacitidine has been shown to prolong survival in patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Therefore, azacitidine therapy should be considered for treating MDS patients with higher-risk disease. A 78-year-old male was administered the first cycle of azacitidine treatment for higher-risk MDS. On day three of chemotherapy he complained of fever and dyspnea, and radiographic findings revealed bilateral perihilar-peribronchial infiltration and a small amount of pleural effusion. Considering the possibility of pneumonia, intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics were administered and azacitidine therapy was discontinued. Upon improvement of the patient's subjective symptoms and radiographic abnormalities, azacitidine therapy was resumed. However, fever and dyspnea developed again upon recommencement of azacitidine therapy. A diagnosis was made of azacitidine-induced lung injury and corticosteroid treatment was administered. Although lung injury is a rare complication induced by azacitidine, physicians should be aware of this life-threatening side effect.

Keyword

Myelodysplastic Syndrome; Azacitidine; Lung injury

MeSH Terms

Aged
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Azacitidine
Diagnosis
Drug Therapy
Dyspnea
Fever
Humans
Lung Injury*
Male
Myelodysplastic Syndromes*
Pleural Effusion
Pneumonia
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Azacitidine