ADVERSE EFFECT OF LOW DOSE AMIODARONE MIMICKING PULMONARY MALIGNANCY

Abstract

A 74 year-old woman had history of persistent cough for approximately one week. The chest radiography and computed tomography images disclosed features mimicking lung cancer, which included a big solitary consolidation and hilar lymphoadenopathy. She received low dose amiodarone (200 mg/day) for treatment of atrial fibrillation for more than 2.5 years. The tumor-like presentations did not disappear until discontinuation of amiodarone therapy. The association of low dose amiodarone causing tumor-like findings on radiography is unique. Once amiodarone induced tumor like changes have been diagnosed, the therapeutic options are limited but in most cases reversible, if diagnosed early. The history of an unusual case with amiodarone induced pulmonary abnormality is reported and relevant literature reviewed.