Ocrelizumab-associated cryptogenic organizing pneumonia in multiple sclerosis: Two case reports and comprehensive literature review

Mult Scler. 2025 May;31(6):740-743. doi: 10.1177/13524585241295677. Epub 2024 Nov 21.

Abstract

Background: Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) is an interstitial lung disease, with causes including anti-CD20 antibodies. Ocrelizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody against CD20 approved for use in relapsing-remitting or primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), with no conclusive data regarding pulmonary toxicity.

Cases: We describe two cases of COP associated with ocrelizumab use in multiple sclerosis patients.

Conclusions: We suggest considering COP whenever respiratory symptoms arise in MS patients receiving ocrelizumab therapy. COP diagnosis requires clinical and radiological exclusion of alternative diagnoses such as opportunistic infections, autoimmunity, drugs, and neoplasms. Appropriate steroid therapy has an excellent clinical response rate.

Keywords: CD20; Ocrelizumab; Organizing pneumonia; drug-induced organizing pneumonia; multiple sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized* / adverse effects
  • Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia* / chemically induced
  • Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors* / adverse effects
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive* / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Immunologic Factors
  • ocrelizumab