Pergolide-induced pleuropulmonary fibrosis.

Pleuropulmonary fibrosis is a rare, but well-recognized adverse effect of ergot alkaloids. We report on four patients who developed pleural and/or pulmonary fibrosis during treatment with pergolide and give characteristics of 87 cases with one or more symptoms of serosal fibrosis. Retroperitoneal and pleuropulmonary fibrosis are serious conditions, which are often irreversible after drug withdrawal. Increased awareness may help to diagnose these complications at an earlier stage and to minimize any permanent damage to the patient.