Carson et al developed criteria for the diagnosis of drug-induced pneumonitis associated with methotrexate therapy.
Parameters:
(1) clinical course
(2) chest radiograph
(3) pneumonia or other pulmonary disease
(4) histopathology
Parameter |
Finding |
Points |
clinical course |
inconsistent with hypersensitivity reaction |
0 |
|
consistent with hypersensitivity reaction |
1 |
chest radiograph |
no infiltrate |
0 |
|
infiltrate present |
1 |
pneumonia or other pulmonary disease |
present |
0 |
|
excluded |
1 |
histopathology |
inconsistent with drug-induced injury |
0 |
|
consistent with drug-induced injury |
1 |
total score =
= SUM(points for all 4 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 4
Total Score |
Diagnosis |
4 |
definite |
3 |
probable |
2 |
possible |
0 or 1 |
unlikely |
Specialty: Pulmonology, Pharmacology, clinical