A hypersensitivity pneumonia is rare during gold therapy. The underlying mechanism is immunological in origin, of Gell and Coombs Type IV. As there are numerous possible pulmonary disorders during the course of inflammatory rheumatism treated with gold, the early detection is vital, in order to prevent progress to fibrosis. In parallel with broncho-alveolar lavage to look for a T8 lymphocytic alveolitis, which is very suggestive, high resolution computed tomography has a place in the early diagnosis, to characterise the lesions, to aid in an aetiological diagnosis, and also to assess progress on treatment. The authors present a case of pneumonitis induced by gold with visible interstitial lesions on computed tomography, accompanied by significant bronchial distortion and bronchiectasis suggestive of fixed lesions. These lesions partially regressed following steroid therapy; the diagnostic and prognostic role for high resolution computer tomography was discussed.
