Everolimus induced pneumonitis in a liver transplant patient: Dilemma in the discrimination of pneumonia.

Abstract

Everolimus is one of the immunosuppressive drugs used in solid organ transplantation. Many side effects have been described for these immunosuppressive drugs, similar to other drugs in this category. The purpose of this case presentation is to draw attention to drug-induced pneumonitis, which is a rare and life-threatening side effect of everolimus. A nineteen-year-old female patient who received liver transplantation for toxic hepatitis was admitted to our institute with cough and dyspnea. Everolimus had been started in conjunction with tacrolimus therapy 6 months prior to admission. Her chest imaging were consistent with pneumonitis. Markers of infection and cultures were all negative. After discontinuation of everolimus, symptoms and radiological findings resolved. The adverse effects of the drug should be kept in mind while investigating possible infectious agents in liver transplant recipients who are prone to opportunistic infections.