A rare cause of respiratory failure in pregnancy - acute exacerbation of undiagnosed hypersensitivity pneumonitis mimicking complication of severe preeclampsia

Abstract

Respiratory failure occurs in 0.1-0.2% of pregnancy patients. This can be due to pre-eclampsia, venous thromboembolism, asthma, gastric aspiration, and viral pneumonitis. Rarely exacerbation of underlying diseases (like asthma, Interstitial Lung Disease, ILD, etc.) can cause respiratory failure. The underlying disease can be recognized previously or presented as exacerbation in pregnancy for the first time. Respiratory failure leads to harm to both mother and fetus; hence, the cause should be evaluated as soon as possible. Here, we are describing the case of acute exacerbation of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) in a pre-eclampsia patient.