Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis, a new idiopathic interstitial pneumonia: A case report.

Abstract

Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (IPPFE) is a rare disease, idiopathic in most of the cases described in the literature. We report the case of a 55-year-old patient, non-smoker with tuberculosis treated in his youth, starting with progressive dyspnoea and cough, with radiographic abnormalities consisting of pleural thickening, bronchiectasis and structural distortion predominantly in the upper lobes. Due to functional impairment and persistent radiographic abnormalities, biopsy by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical was decided. The presence of striking elastosis, absence of interstitial damage and abrupt boundary of the fibrous lesion with healthy lung allowed the diagnosis of IPPFE. Currently, the patient has no specific treatment and is in follow-up in the Transplant Unit.