# Drug-Induced Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia With Pneumomediastinum: An Unusual Presentation

## TL;DR

A woman developed a rare lung condition after taking an alternative medication, which was successfully treated with steroids.

## Contribution

This case report highlights drug-induced eosinophilic pneumonia with pneumomediastinum linked to non-conventional medication.

## Key findings

- The patient showed bilateral ground-glass opacities and pneumomediastinum on CT scans.
- Eosinophilia was confirmed via bronchoalveolar lavage, leading to a diagnosis of drug-induced lung disease.
- Symptoms and radiographic findings resolved after discontinuing the medication and starting corticosteroids.

## Abstract

A 27-year-old female, with no significant past medical history, presented to the casualty department with a two-week history of progressive dyspnea, cough, and fever. She reported that she had recently started taking a non-conventional alternative medication for her irregular menstrual cycles. Chest radiography demonstrated bilateral alveolar opacities, and computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed bilateral ground-glass opacities and pneumomediastinum. Laboratory testing showed peripheral blood eosinophilia, and bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage confirmed an elevated eosinophil count. Based on the clinical presentation, radiographic and laboratory findings, and exclusion of other etiologies, a diagnosis of drug-induced eosinophilic lung disease with pneumomediastinum was made. The alternative non-conventional drug was immediately discontinued and the patient was treated with systemic corticosteroids, leading to a rapid improvement in her symptoms and radiographic abnormalities. A repeat CT of the chest after 15 days revealed significant resolution of the ground-glass opacities and complete resolution of pneumomediastinum. This case highlights the importance of thorough medication history and vigilance for potential adverse effects of non-conventional treatments.