Amiodarone-Induced Pulmonary Toxicity in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

Amiodarone, a widely utilized and effective class III antiarrhythmic agent, carries a significant risk of severe organ toxicities, notably including the pulmonary system. This report details a case of an 82-year-old female who developed amiodarone-induced pulmonary toxicity (APT) following 2 years of standard 200 mg daily maintenance therapy for atrial fibrillation. The patient presented with progressive dyspnea, non-productive cough, and new-onset oxygen dependency. Diagnostic evaluation, including chest computed tomography revealing diffuse interstitial opacities, alongside the systematic exclusion of other etiologies, confirmed the diagnosis. Prompt discontinuation of amiodarone and initiation of corticosteroid therapy resulted in clinical stabilization. This case underscores the insidious nature of amiodarone-induced adverse effects, particularly in the elderly population, and reinforces the critical necessity for a high index of clinical suspicion and vigilant, proactive monitoring strategies to facilitate early detection and appropriate management of this potentially life-threatening iatrogenic complication, even with standard therapeutic dosages.