MESALAMINE-INDUCED LUNG TOXICITY

Lung toxicity associated with 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) agents is a ra re entity, We report the case of a 32-yr-old woman with ulcerative col itis who developed progressive shortness of breath while taking one of the 5-ASA drugs, oral mesalamine. Bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, pe ripheral eosinophilia, and histological findings consistent with acute pneumonitis characterized the lung injury, Although the differential diagnosis is broad, mesalamine-induced lung damage must be considered in patients who develop unexplained respiratory symptoms while taking this agent.