HYDROXYUREA-INDUCED ACUTE INTERSTITIAL LUNG-DISEASE

Hydroxyurea is a cytotoxic agent that is being increasingly used for a number of malignant and nonmalignant systemic diseases. This agent is particularly well tolerated, with dose-related myelosuppression being the primary side effect. We describe a patient who had patchy interst itial infiltrates with cavitation 2 months after the start of therapy with hydroxyurea. After hydroxyurea therapy was discontinued and empir ic corticosteroid therapy was given, the pulmonary infiltrates resolve d. This is a case of presumed hydroxyurea-induced lung disease, the fi rst with supportive lung biopsy material. It is essential for physicia ns to be aware of this potentially life-threatening toxicity.