Differential diagnosis problem of pulmonary changes in ulcerative colitis

Abstract

The differential diagnosis of pulmonary lesions in patients with ulcerous colitis may be a problem. In the reported case, pulmonary lesions were interpreted as interstitial pneumonitis accompanying ulcerous colitis. However, they are most probably a consequence of allergic response to mesalazine.

Systematic review: safety of mesalazine in ulcerative colitis

“…The development of pneumonia as an adverse event to mesalazine therapy has been documented in case reports. These span from interstitial pneumonitis, interstitial pneumonia, Wegener's granulomatosis and eosinophilic pneumonia . Development of bronchiolitis obliterans with organising pneumonia has also been reported, with improvement noted once the drug has been discontinued and patient has received corticosteroids …”