Low-Dose Steroid Therapy for Prophylaxis of Amiodarone-Induced Pulmonary Infiltrates

To the Editor: Amiodarone hydrochloride, an investigational agent used for treatment of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, has recently been associated with the development of pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis in 2 to 6 per cent of patients. 1 2 3 4 5 These abnormalities have generally resolved with cessation of the drug and institution of steroid therapy. We report a case in which the radiologic abnormality resolved with steroid therapy and discontinuation of amiodarone and did not recur when amiodarone was restarted in conjunction with low-dose steroid therapy. A 46-year-old man with a history of prior myocardial infarction, myocardial revascularization, and aneurysmectomy was given amiodarone . . .