Lung injury as a complication of treatment with amiodarone

Abstract

This is a review of current literature on lung injury which is one of the most hazardous adverse effects of an antiarrhythmic agent amiodarone referred to as amiodarone-induced pulmonary toxicity (AIPT). Finding on AIPT prevalence, risk factors, dose dependence, therapy duration and probability of AIPT occurrence have been analyzed. Issues of clinical pharmacology and the most common adverse effects of amiodarone have been discussed. Pathophysiological and pathological features and clinical manifestations of AIPT including diffuse pneumonitis, bronchiolitis, respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome have been described. Diagnosis of AIPT is based on routine methods such as lung function tests, chest X-ray, high-resolution computed tomography, and lung tissue biopsy. Management approaches include dose reduction or drug withdrawal and administration of systemic steroids. Preventive measures include baseline spirometry, regular X-ray examination and information about symptoms of this complication provided to the patients.