Occurrence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis during immunosuppressive treatment: a case report
Stefania Cerri1, Giacomo Sgalla2,3, Luca Richeldi2,3
1Center for Rare Lung Diseases, University Hospital Policlinico di Modena, Via del Pozzo, 71-41124, Modena, Italy.
Background:
Immunosuppressive therapy has been-until the recent release of new guidelines on diagnosis and management-the recommended treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. However, its efficacy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has always been a matter of debate.
Case Presentation:
We report the occurrence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in a white man receiving chronic immunosuppressive treatment following a heart transplant.
Conclusions:
This case report suggests that the immune mechanisms targeted by azathioprine and cyclosporine do not play a role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
