To improve diagnosis and treatment level of furazolidone-induced interstitial lung disease by analyzing the clinical data of patients.

Retrospective analysis of three patients diagnosed with furazolidone-induced interstitial lung disease in South China Hospital Affiliated to Shenzhen University.

The study included one male and two female patients, aged 40, 23, and 39 years old respectively. All patients experienced fever and exertional chest tightness on the 10th day of furazolidone treatment, two cases with intermittent dry cough, while one case with fatigue and myalgia, as well as one case with nausea and headache. Laboratory examination results revealed the leukocyte count (10.9~13.9) ×10⁹/L, neutrophil count (8.98~12.44) ×10⁹/L and C-reactive protein (19.14~287.52) mg/L were significantly increased, while eosinophils counts were normal. Chest CT scans indicated that smooth interlobular septal thickening in both lungs of all patients, while two of them were accompanied by ground-glass opacities localized in upper lungs near central pulmonary regions. The Nord′s score of all three patients was 7. By analyzing medication history and imaging characteristics, furazolidone-induced interstitial lung disease was diagnosed after excluding cardiogenic pulmonary edema, or interstitial lung disease caused by other drugs and exposures. Discontinuation of furazolidone along with intravenous infusion of methylprednisolone succinate for anti-inflammatory treatment resulted in symptom improvement, while repeat chest CT scan showed absorption of lesions further supporting the diagnosis.

In cases of fever and chest tightness during furazolidone treatment, furazolidone-induced interstitial lung disease should be considered if chest CT scan reveals smooth interlobular septal thickening in both lungs, with or without ground-glass opacities. Discontinuation of furazolidone and initiation of anti-inflammatory therapy could typically lead to favorable outcomes.