Ruuth-Praz J, Faure M, Gomez E, Petit I, Petitpain N, Chaouat A, Chabot F. [Eosinophilic pneumonia: A rare complication of sodium divalproate].
Rev Mal Respir 2020;
37:590-594. [PMID:
32739035 DOI:
10.1016/j.rmr.2020.05.006]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Eosinophilic pneumonias are characterized by an increase in lung eosinophils. These disorders can be induced by drug reactions.
CASE REPORT
A 57-year-old woman suffering from bipolar disorder and treated by sodium divalproate for more than 2 years was hospitalised in the department of respiratory medicine for dyspnoea and cough. The investigations showed severe hypoxaemia, airflow limitation, multiple ground-glass opacities and crazy paving on the chest CT-scan and a blood eosinophilia. A significant alveolar eosinophilia was found in the broncho-alveolar lavage. A complete assessment of possible causes was made. Finally, we made the diagnosis of eosinophilic pneumonia secondary to sodium divalproate. The treatment was stopped and systemic corticosteroid therapy was not introduced. The patient showed an improvement of her dyspnoea in a few days. Lung function and the CT-scan were normal within a few months.
CONCLUSIONS
Sodium divalproate, frequently used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, is a rare cause of eosinophilic lung disease, even years after its introduction. Rapid diagnosis and withdrawal of treatment led to complete resolution in the reported case.
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