A case of Keigai-rengyo-to-induced pneumonitis requiring noninvasive positive pressure ventilation
Atsushi Nakagawaa,* Hiroaki Saitoa Kyoko Shimizua Reo Hamaguchia Yasuto Jina Nobuyuki Yoshimuraa
aDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Hiratsuka Kyosai Hospital
*Present address: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Kyosai Hospital
We report a case of drug-induced pneumonitis associated with consumption of the herbal medications Keigai-rengyo-to. A 67-year-old woman experienced fever and dry cough after consuming Keigai-rengyo-to for rosacea-like dermatitis for approximately 1 month. She was admitted to our hospital after her symptoms aggravated, and she presented with exertional dyspnea. Chest X-ray revealed ground-glass opacities in both lung fields. The analysis of arterial blood gases showed marked hypoxemia. She underwent methylprednisolone pulse therapy, and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation. Then arterial blood-gas values improved, and chest X-rays showed improved findings. Bronchoalveolar lavage showed an increase in the number of lymphocytes, with a decreased CD4/CD8 ratio. A histological section of transbronchial lung biopsy showed organized exudates in the alveolar space. There was lymphocyte infiltration in the alveolar walls. On the basis of clinical history and these findings, this patient was diagnosed with a case of Keigai-rengyo-to-induced pneumonitis.
Keigai-rengyo-to Ougon Chinese herbal medicine Drug-induced lung injury Mechanical ventilation
Received 18 Jul 2012 / Accepted 13 Dec 2012
AJRS, 2(3): 249-253, 2013