Zeitschrift für Infektionskrankheiten und Präventivmedizin
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A Pigeon Fancier's lung; Subacute on Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: A Rare Case Report

Anushka Peiris*

Pigeon fancier’s lung, a form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), is a rare but important occupational and recreational preventable cause of severe and debilitating breathlessness. We report the case of a 44-year-old Sri Lankan lady suffering with severe breathlessness due to pigeon fancier’s lung. She has bred pigeons for 20 years. She presented with progressive dyspnea, non-productive cough, fatigue and had bilateral end inspiratory velcro type crackles with hypoxemia at rest. There were reticular nodular opacities on CXR and diffuse ground glass opacities, inter- and intralobular thickening with subpleural sparing associated with patchy traction bronchiectasis and lobular air trapping. She had marked improvement to glucocorticoid pulses followed by maintenance. We diagnosed this patient as subacute on chronic HP considering clinical and radiological evidence. Avoidance of allergen and steroids advised with regular follow up to monitor progression.