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Giant Cell Interstitial Pneumonia Associated with Nitrofurantoin

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Abstract

A case of giant cell interstitial pneumonia (GIF) that occurred in association with exposure to nitrofurantoin is presented. While the diagnosis of GIP is confirmed by histopathology, this diagnosis can be supported by the findings of bizarre multinucleated giant cells (MGC), elevated T lymphocytes, and a low T lymphocyte helper/suppressor ratio in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Recognition of GIP as a rare manifestation of nitrofurantoin toxicity is important because prompt therapy may be associated with a favorable outcome.

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Abbreviations

GIP:

Giant cell interstitial pneumonia

MGC:

Multinucleated giant cells

BALF:

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid

CT:

Computed tomography

AFB:

Acid fast bacilli

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3221, Durham, NC, 27710, USA

    Charles William Hargett

  2. Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3712, Durham, NC, 27710, USA

    Thomas A. Sporn & Victor L. Roggli

  3. Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3136, Durham, NC, 27710, USA

    John W. Hollingsworth

Authors
  1. Charles William Hargett
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  2. Thomas A. Sporn
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  3. Victor L. Roggli
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  4. John W. Hollingsworth
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to John W. Hollingsworth.

Additional information

This work was supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (ES12717).

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Hargett, C.W., Sporn, T.A., Roggli, V.L. et al. Giant Cell Interstitial Pneumonia Associated with Nitrofurantoin. Lung 184, 147–149 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-005-2574-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-005-2574-z

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