To summarize the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of postoperative acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease (ILD) after pneumonectomy.

The clinical data of 4 patients with postoperative acute exacerbation of ILD after pneumonectomy admitted in Beijing Hospital from October 2014 to November 2015 were retrospectively analyzed and related literatures were reviewed.

Four patients were aged 60 to 74 years, including 3 males and 1 female, 2 of whom were idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 2 were connective tissue diseases related ILD. Chest high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) showed multiple lobular septal thickening, ground glass opacities, reticular shadow and strip shadow in both lungs. The patients developed acute dyspnea 2 to 3 days after pneumonectomy. In 2 cases, HRCT showed new patchy ground-glass opacities, reticular shadow and strip shadow in both lungs on the basis of preoperative pulmonary fibrosis. The sputum smear and culture showed no pulmonary infection in all 4 cases. Three patients were treated with glucocorticoids and 3 received mechanical ventilation with endotracheal intubation. One patient was successfully treated by early using adequate glucocorticoids, one patient improved after treatment but died after re-exacerbation, and the other two patients died after treatment failed.

Acute exacerbation of ILD after pneumonectomy often occurs in early postoperative period and it is characterized by progressive dyspnea. Chest CT and respiratory pathogen examination are helpful for early diagnosis. Postoperative acute exacerbation of ILD often lacks effective treatment, requires mechanical ventilation, and the prognosis is poor. Although glucocorticoids may be effective, re-exacerbation should be alert during treatment.

Lung diseases, interstitial; Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; Pneumonectomy; Acute exacerbation