Acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia associated with influenza A/H1N1 pneumonia after lung transplantation

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Claudia Otto - , University Medical Center Freiburg (Author)
  • Daniela Huzly - , University Medical Center Freiburg (Author)
  • Lars Kemna - , University Medical Center Freiburg (Author)
  • Annegret Hüttel - , University Medical Center Freiburg (Author)
  • Christoph Benk - , University Medical Center Freiburg (Author)
  • Siegbert Rieg - , University Medical Center Freiburg (Author)
  • Till Ploenes - , University Medical Center Freiburg (Author)
  • Martin Werner - , University Medical Center Freiburg (Author)
  • Gian Kayser - , University Medical Center Freiburg (Author)

Abstract

Background: Immunocompromised patients, particularly after lung transplantation, are at high risk to develop atypical forms of pulmonary infections including influenza A/H1N1. Acute Fibrinous and Organizing Pneumonia (AFOP) is a special histological pattern in acute respiratory failure with high mortality.Case presentation: We describe a 66-year-old woman with double lung transplantation in August 2009 due to end stage pulmonary fibrosis. After prolonged weaning and subsequent promising course, she developed atypical pneumonia with diffuse pulmonary infiltrates in both lungs in January 2010. Infection with influenza A/H1N1 virus was verified. The patient rapidly suffered from respiratory insufficiency and died eight days after this diagnosis. The post-mortem revealed especially in the lower parts of the lungs the classical histological pattern of pure AFOP. Molecular analyses of lung tissue were positive for influenza A/H1N1.Conclusion: To our knowledge we present the first case of AFOP triggered by viral infection, here proven to be influenza virus A/H1N1. Thus, also in the setting of viral infection the highly deadly differential diagnosis of AFOP must be considered.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number30
JournalBMC pulmonary medicine
Volume13
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 19 May 2013
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 23683442

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Acute lung failure, AFOP, Influenza A/H1N1, Lung transplantation, Viral infection