Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis with Complications at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria: A Case Report

Background: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is a progressive diffuse lung disease, characterised by interstitial fibrosis, minimal inflammation, and archetectural distortion interpersed with areas of normal lung tissue. It is rarely reported in Nigeria. Aim: The aim is to present a case of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in our centre. Methods: A review of a case of a 60 year old woman who presented to our centre with two year history of progressively worsening breathlessness and unproductive cough. Results: A 60 year old foodstuff trader was managed in our center with two year history of progressive breathlessness and unproductive cough. She eventually developed complications of right sided heart failure and hypoxemia. The investigations she had included spirometry, chest X-ray, pulse oximetry, high resolution chest CT scan and lung necropsy. The results are all in keeping with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.She died after about 8 months steroid therapy as well as antifailure regimen. Conclusion: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic progressive fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown cause. Lung transplant is the only effective treatment as response to medical therapy is generally poor