Amiodarone Pneumonitis

Amiodarone (Am) pneumonitis is currently a common and potentially severe adverse reaction, the accurate diagnosis of which remains difficult to establish. Objectives: To determine the contribution of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in the diagnostic workup of patients suspected of having Am pneumonitis. Methods: Diagnosis of Am pneumonitis was established on the basis of (1) development of recent symptoms and pulmonary opacities while receiving the drug, (2) exclusion of other possible causes, and (3) improvement following cessation of Am and/or steroid therapy. (4) Confirmatory changes were obtained by histopathologic examination in eight cases. BAL was performed in each patient at the time o…