Pulmonary complication induced by Imatinib: a case report of nonspecific interstitial pneumonia

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a neoplasm marked by BCR-ABL gene fusion, leading to abnormal cell growth. Imatinib, a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is first-line treatment for Philadelphia chromosome-positive CML. Side effects include hematologic toxicity and, rarely, pulmonary adverse events like interstitial pneumonitis, as seen in a unique 53-year-old patient case. A 53-year-old Hispanic male with a history of tuberculosis and hypertension was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in 2022, treated with Imatinib. He initially tolerated it well but developed dyspnea in March 2023. Imaging revealed increased pulmonary attenuation with ground-glass opacities. After stopping Imatinib temporarily, symptoms improved. By November 2023, follow-up tests showed normalized lung function and resolved lung abnormalities. This case presentation underscores the importance of understanding the pulmonary adverse effects associated with the use of Imatinib in treating chronic myeloid leukemia. Thorough patient monitoring and regular pulmonary evaluations are essential steps for the early detection of any signs of pulmonary toxicity. It is crucial that Imatinib treatment be supervised in specialized centers by trained professionals who can quickly identify and manage potentially serious adverse reactions.