Case Report
Volume: 6 | Issue: 3 | Published: Apr 12, 2022 | Pages: 48 - 51 | DOI: 10.24911/ejmcr/173-1637238300
Toxic pneumonitis induced by trastuzumab as a potentially fatal event: a case report
Authors:
Raquel Fontes
, Jorge Rodrigues
, Camila Oliveira
, Mauricio Peixoto
, Ricardo Fernandes
, Luisa Queiroz
, Catarina Portela
, Marta Almeida
, Rui Nabico
Article Info
Authors
Jorge Rodrigues
Medical Oncology, Hospital of Braga, Braga, Portugal
Camila Oliveira
Medical Oncology, Hospital of Braga, Braga, Portugal
Mauricio Peixoto
Medical Oncology, Hospital of Braga, Braga, Portugal
Ricardo Fernandes
Medical Oncology, Hospital of Braga, Braga, Portugal
Luisa Queiroz
Medical Oncology, Hospital of Braga, Braga, Portugal
Catarina Portela
Medical Oncology, Hospital of Braga, Braga, Portugal
Marta Almeida
Medical Oncology, Hospital of Braga, Braga, Portugal
Rui Nabico
Medical Oncology, Hospital of Braga, Braga, Portugal.
Publication History
Received: November 21, 2021
Revised: March 11, 2022
Accepted: March 11, 2022
Published: April 12, 2022
Abstract
Background: Trastuzumab is a widely used and well-tolerated drug. Pulmonary toxicity has been described; however, the low incidence, the variability at presentation, and the nonspecific characteristics often make it an exclusion diagnosis. Case presentation: We present the case of a 62-year-old women admitted to our service with fever and shortness of breast after treatment with trastuzumab. From the study performed, no other cause was found to explain the event and the patient kept worsening until the diagnosis was established. Conclusion: Although pneumonitis is a rare side effect of trastuzumab administration, early recognition and appropriate therapy are crucial and may be lifesaving.
Keywords: breast cancer, trastuzumab, adverse reactions, pulmonary toxicity, case report, green
