Rituximab-induced Pneumonitis Research Articles

Rituximab-induced pneumonitis mimicking miliary tuberculosis

To the Editor: Rituximab, a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, is commonly being used in combination with chemotherapy regimens in the standard treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) [1]. Rituximab is considered to be a relatively safe drug but recently, severe and fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD) was noted with an occurrence rate of 0.01–0.03% [2]. Computed tomography (CT) patterns of rituximab-induced ILD include focal (54%) or diffused (9%) alveolar patterns and macronodules (3%), or ground-glass patterns (34%) [2]. In this regard, we report a patient with NHL in whom ILD developed after six cycles of R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) therapy with diffused micronodules mimicking miliary tuberculosis (TB). …

Rituximab Associated Pneumonitis in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis

Rituximab is gaining use in the treatment of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. We report the first case of rituximab-induced pneumonitis in a patient with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. Our patient with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener granulomatosis) had a relapse complicated by diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and acute kidney injury. His treatment included rituximab, steroids, cyclophosphamide, and plasmapheresis. Two weeks after his second dose of rituximab, he developed an acute deterioration in respiratory function. Rituximab-induced pneumonitis was diagnosed on a combination of computed tomography imaging, bronchoalveolar lavage, and negative tests for active vasculitis and infection. He was treated with a course of high-dose corticosteroids with improvement in respiratory function, computed tomography imaging of his chest, and inflammatory markers. Acute drug-induced pneumonitis is a rare but serious complication of rituximab. Distinguishing this complication from alveolar hemorrhage or pulmonary infection may be difficult. This diagnosis needs to be considered early in the right clinical context.

Rituximab-Induced Pneumonitis on F-18 FDG PET/CT in Patient With Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Abstract:Pulmonary drug toxicity is increasingly being diagnosed as a cause of acute and chronic lung disease. We report a case of drug-induced pneumonitis after R-CHOP therapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma in which a follow-up examination F-18 FDG PET/CT showed some patchy consolidations and ground-glas

Rituximab‐induced pneumonitis: Steroid therapy or not?

Rituximab‐induced pneumonitis: Steroid therapy or not?

Reply: Rituximab‐induced pneumonitis: Steroid therapy or not?

Pediatric PulmonologyVolume 45, Issue 4 p. 414-416 Reply Reply: Rituximab-induced pneumonitis: Steroid therapy or not? Martin Bitzan MD, Corresponding Author Martin Bitzan MD [email protected] Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, CanadaDivision of Nephrology, Montreal Children's Hospital, 2300, rue Tupper, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3H 1P3.Search for more papers by this authorMark Anselmo MD, Mark Anselmo MD Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorLucy Carpineta MD, Lucy Carpineta MD Division of Medical Imaging, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, CanadaSearch for more papers by this author Martin Bitzan MD, Corresponding Author Martin Bitzan MD [email protected] Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, CanadaDivision of Nephrology, Montreal Children's Hospital, 2300, rue Tupper, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3H 1P3.Search for more papers by this authorMark Anselmo MD, Mark Anselmo MD Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorLucy Carpineta MD, Lucy Carpineta MD Division of Medical Imaging, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, CanadaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 15 March 2010 https://doi.org/10.1002/ppul.21189Citations: 1AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume45, Issue4April 2010Pages 414-416 RelatedInformation

A possible role of 18F-FDG positron-emission tomography scanning in the early detection of rituximab-induced pneumonitis in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Rituximab is safe and effective in the treatment of patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Rituximab is generally well-tolerated. Its major adverse effects are infusion related and include fever, chills, dyspnea and hypotension. Dyspnea is a frequent complaint in NHL patients, and is often