Pulmonary abnormalities in patients intravenously receiving the methanol extraction residue (MER) of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin.

Eight of 64 patients receiving intravenous administration of methanol extraction residue (MER) of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), developed miliary-type pulmonary parenchymal changes. The clinical and radiological characteristics are described. An increased incidence was noted in patients with a history of previous BCG exposure or with positive PPD skin reactivity. Spontaneous resolution was observed upon discontinuation of MER. These changes most likely respresent a granulomatous inflammatory process, although no histological confirmation was obtained.