Successful diaphragmatic pacing for idiopathic alveolar hypoventilation

We describe the case of a 17-year-old woman noted to have idiopathic alveolar hypoventilation, with multiple Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions because of acute respiratory failure (ARF) due to respiratory infections. After two years of diaphragmatic pacing arterial blood gases have substantially improved, without obstructive apnoea. Signs of right ventricular enlargement and pulmonary hypertension have decreased. Morning headache and diurnal somnolence have disappeared, and she is also able to perform more physical and mental activity, allowing her to enjoy a better quality of life.