Hypersensitivity pneumonitis – acceptance of the diagnosis

Abstract

Abstract Hypersensitivity pneumonia (HP) is an inflammatory lung syndrome due to repetitive exposure to small organic particles. The etiological agents of the disease are diverse and can be represented by fungi, bacteria, small molecule chemical compounds, as well as proteins from animals or insects. We present the case of a 25-year-old male, who was admitted to our Pulmonology Clinic for the following symptoms: morning cough with mucosal sputum for about 2 years, moderate exertional dyspnea (mMRC 3) started for 2 months, weight loss of about 6 kg in the past 5 months and fatigue. Clinical examination revealed bilateral mid- basal crackling rales. Chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) (multiple micronodular opacities, diffuse contoured, bilaterally disseminated), lung function tests (restrictive ventilatory dysfunction with decreased carbon monoxide diffusing capacity), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) (lymphocyte alveolitis) and serological tests (positive antibodies for pigeon heathers and dejections) pointed to the diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It was recommended to avoid exposure to pigeons, as the patient was a pigeon breeder. Prednisone treatment was initiated. The general condition of the patient 1 month after diagnosis had improved, the evolution being good under treatment.