Nitrofurantoin related lung changes
Nitrofurantoin related lung disease refers to a spectrum of lung changes that can be precipitated by nitrofurantoin use. Nitrofurantoin can induce both
- an acute hypersensitivity reaction (occurring around 1-2 week after a short course) or
- chronic pulmonary reaction (occurring after months to years of exposure) .
Nitrofurantoin-induced lung injury is uncommon where a considerable number of reported publications likely reflect the widespread use of the drug rather than the incidence of the complication .
Severe lung changes have been described inclusive of
- nitrofurantoin-induced granulomatous interstitial pneumonia
- nitrofurantoin associated giant cell interstitial pneumonia
Radiographic features
CT chest
Several CT patterns may be observed which include
- organizing pneumonia - pattern
- hypersensitivity pneumonitis - pattern
- non-specific interstitial pneumonitis (NSIP) - pattern: considered most common pattern of "chronic" lung change
- usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP) pattern
See also
