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Scholarly Commons > HCA Healthcare Journal > Vol. 7 > Iss. 3 (2026)

 

Keywords

mesalamine; ulcerative colitis; lung diseases; lung injury; pneumonia; case reports

Disciplines

Respiratory Tract Diseases

Abstract

Introduction

Mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid) is widely used as a first-line therapy for ulcerative colitis (UC) due to its efficacy and safety profile. Rarely, it can cause pulmonary toxicity with variable clinical and radiologic manifestations, making diagnosis challenging.

Case Presentation

We report the case of a 52-year-old woman with UC who developed persistent fever and progressive exertional dyspnea following escalation of mesalazine dosage. Imaging revealed diffuse bilateral ground-glass opacities, while infectious and UC-related pulmonary causes were excluded. Pulmonary function testing demonstrated restriction and markedly reduced diffusing capacity. Following mesalazine discontinuation and initiation of corticosteroid therapy, the patient experienced rapid symptomatic, functional, and radiological improvement, with a complete resolution at the 2-month follow-up.

Conclusion

Mesalazine-induced pulmonary injury is an uncommon but important adverse reaction that should be considered in UC patients presenting with new respiratory symptoms, particularly after recent drug initiation or dose escalation. Early recognition, drug withdrawal, and corticosteroid treatment can lead to excellent outcomes and prevent unnecessary invasive procedures.

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