Drug-induced lung toxicities: What the intensivist should know?

Abstract

Acute respiratory failure related to drug toxicity is challenging. Several drugs, also including targeted therapy and immunotherapy, have been reported to induce lung toxicity. Clinical and pathological presentations are heterogeneous suggesting different toxicity pulmonary mechanisms. Infection or pulmonary edema should be ruled out, and then drug-induced pneumonitis diagnosis should be considered. CT scan and bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage are helpful for the disease diagnosis. Due to the severity, the identified drug should be stopped and more frequently steroids should be started.