Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia associated with pseudomonas aeruginosa infection

Abstract

Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia is a rare disease characterized by the presence of granulation tissue within alveolar ducts and alveoli. Most cases are idiopathic, but it may also be seen during resolution of viral or bacterial pneumonia (mycoplasma, legionella and chlamydia). It may present as a community acquired pneumonia which does not respond to antibiotics, which make the diagnosis very difficult. We described a 53-year old patient who presented with Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia during the resolution of pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia. Initially there was slight improvement on antibiotics but later he became severely hypoxic and placed on mechanical ventilator. Diagnosis of Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia was obtained with bronchoscopic lung biopsy. He showed an excellent response to steroid treatment. To our knowledge this is the first case of Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia secondary to Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia.