Sulfasalazine pneumonitis.

A patient with ulcerative colitis developed skin allergy to sulfasalazine, manifested by rash urticaria and generalized angioedema. The patient underwent desensitization with the drug. After desensitization, the drug was reinstituted without any adverse skin reaction. However, 2 months later the patient developed a severe pneumonitis that resolved completely on discontinuation of sulfasalazine and administration of steroids. The relationship between the various adverse reactions to the drug is discussed and the entity "sulfasalazine pneumonitis" is reviewed.