Occurrence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis during immunosuppressive treatment: a case report

Background: Immunosuppressive therapy has been - until the recent release of new guidelines on diagnosis and management - the recommended treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. However, its efficacy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has always been a matter of debate. Case presentation: We report the occurrence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in a white man receiving chronic immunosuppressive treatment following a heart transplant. Conclusions: This case report suggests that the immune mechanisms targeted by azathioprine and cyclosporine do not play a role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.