Multiple complications of advanced IPF in an individual patient presentation. Issue 4 (24th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ledger, Thomas; Braude, Stanley
• Is Part Of: Respirology case reports. Volume 11:Issue 4(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2023-03-24
• Subjects: acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis -- idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis -- platypnoea‐orthodeoxia syndrome -- pneumomediastinum; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.2005
• DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.1118
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2051-3380

Abstract

Abstract: We report a patient with advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), who in a single presentation experienced three complications of the disease: an acute exacerbation, spontaneous pneumomediastinum, and platypnoea‐orthodeoxia syndrome. Despite there being no definitive evidence‐based treatment for an acute exacerbation, we report a marked improvement with high‐dose steroids. This case also highlights the importance in IPF patients of considering pneumomediastinum as a cause of non‐cardiac chest pain, as well as platypnoea‐orthodeoxia in those with positional dyspnoea. Abstract : We report a patient with advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), who in a single presentation experienced three complications of the disease: an acute exacerbation, spontaneous pneumomediastinum, and platypnoea‐orthodeoxia syndrome. Despite there being no definitive evidence‐based treatment for an acute exacerbation, we report a marked improvement with high‐dose steroids. This case also highlights the importance in IPF patients of considering pneumomediastinum as a cause of non‐cardiac chest pain, as well as platypnoea‐orthodeoxia in those with positional dyspnoea.