ACUTE RESPIRATORY-FAILURE AND PULMONARY FIBROSIS SECONDARY TO ADMINISTRATION OF MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL

Background. We report the first documented case of pulmonary toxicity to mycophenolate mofetil in this article. Methods. A 51-year-old woman experienced systemic reactions beginning 10 days after cadaveric rena l transplantation. Results. Recurrent respiratory failure and document ed progressive pulmonary fibrosis ensued. cultures were negative and o ther agents were discontinued. It was not until the mycophenolate was stopped did the patient improve. Conclusions. Mycophenolate mofetil ca n cause acute respiratory failure simulating opportunistic infection o r pulmonary edema. If not recognized, this may lead to the rapid devel opment of severe pulmonary fibrosis, some of which may not be reversib le.