Pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia induced by nimesulide in an asthmatic patient.

We report a case of pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia (PIE) induced by nimesulide in an asthmatic patient on regular inhaled corticosteroid treatment. A high level of eosinophils in induced sputum was detected. No evidence of bacterial or fungal infection was observed. The patient responded rapidly to corticosteroid treatment. Rechallenge with nimesulide induced blood and sputum eosinophilia, confirming our diagnosis. Nimesulide, though it is a relatively safe drug to use in aspirin-sensitive asthmatics, may (like other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) cause PIE in asthmatic patients and thus should be used cautiously.