Israeli Study Develops Early CT Method to Detect Dangerous Lung Toxicity from Common Heart Drug
A groundbreaking Israeli study conducted at Shaare Zedek Medical Center has introduced a novel CT imaging technique to detect early lung toxicity caused by the widely used heart medication Amiodarone (Procor). Published in the prestigious journal Respirology, the research offers a diagnostic tool that helps doctors decide whether to continue or stop the drug before severe lung damage occurs.
Amiodarone is effective for treating cardiac arrhythmias but can cause lung toxicity in about 5% of patients, a potentially life-threatening side effect. Until now, no definitive test existed to identify this complication early, leading to either premature discontinuation of the drug or late diagnosis after lung injury had developed.
The study evaluated 81 patients suspected of Amiodarone-induced lung toxicity using Dual Energy CT (DECT), an advanced imaging technology that detects iodine deposits in lung tissue characteristic of the drug’s toxicity. Results showed significant correlation between DECT findings and clinical assessments by pulmonary specialists, indicating the method’s potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and guide treatment decisions.
The research team was led by Dr. Naama Bogot, head of the Cardio-Thoracic Imaging Unit, Dr. Nissim Arish, senior pulmonologist, and Dr. Moshe Rav Acha, director of the Cardiac Pacing and Syncope Unit. The article was recognized for its high clinical importance in the scientific community. The researchers anticipate that this method will be adopted by medical centers in Israel and worldwide, enhancing patient care by enabling earlier intervention and reducing invasive procedures.
Dr. Bogot emphasized the study provides radiologists with a proven tool for precise detection of lung toxicity. Dr. Arish noted early diagnosis could prevent invasive tests and allow timely treatment cessation. Dr. Rav Acha highlighted the improved ability for cardiologists to tailor therapy for arrhythmia patients while minimizing serious complications.
