Three cases of minocycline-induced pneumonitis
Shintani, H.; Minami, S.; Iwabuchi, K.; Johkaji, Y.; Hashimoto, A.; Noumi, I.; Fujimura, M.; Matsuda, T.; Kitagawa, M.
Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi 29(6): 718-723
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-1542 PMID: 1895587 Document Number: 380038
All three patients complained of cough, fever and dyspnea. Their chest X-ray films revealed interstitial changes such as Kerley B lines. The results of lymphocyte stimulation tests were all negative for Minocycline (MINO), whereas the provocation tests were all positive in three cases. The onsets of symptoms appeared 7, 12 and 9 hours after administration of MINO respectively, which suggested type III allergy in terms of the latency period. In cases No. 1 and No. 3, lung tissue specimens obtained by transbronchial biopsy showed findings of mild acute eosinophilic pneumonia. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of case No. 3 showed eosinophilia. On diagnosing MINO-induced pneumonitis, the lymphocyte stimulation test is not always beneficial, whereas the provocation test is supposed to be a safe and sure method.