RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Statin-induced fibrotic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 577
OP 580
DO 10.1183/09031936.02.00258802
VO 19
IS 3
A1 S. Lantuejoul
A1 E. Brambilla
A1 C. Brambilla
A1 G. Devouassoux
YR 2002
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/19/3/577.abstract
AB Statins inhibit the 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, reduce the serum level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and are extensively prescribed to prevent cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Few systemic adverse effects, such as pseudopolymyositis, lupus-like syndromes, and anecdotal hypersensitivity pneumonitis, have been reported. A simvastatin-induced diffuse interstitial pneumonia associated with a nonspecific interstitial pneumonia pattern at histological analysis is repoted here. Ultrastructural analysis showed a diffuse cytoplasmic accumulation of intralysosomial lamellar inclusions in type II pneumonocytes, histiocytes and endothelial cells, suggesting a shared pathogenesis with amphiphilic drug-induced toxic lung injury. Because statins are increasingly prescribed, statin-induced interstitial lung disorders may be more frequently observed and early recognition will be required.