Fibrotic Cystic Lung Disease Post Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: Who is the Culprit?

Abstract

Pulmonary complications post hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) are associated with poor outcomes and require extensive management depending on the etiology. They usually present in the form of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, interstitial pneumonitis, or drug toxicity that can lead to fibrosis. Scant data exists regarding diffuse cystic lung disease following HSCT, and the existing literature only mentions mild cystic changes. We present the case of a 25-year-old man with stage IVB Hodgkin’s lymphoma post allogeneic HSCT, who developed progressive traction bronchiectasis, with the appearance of extensive pulmonary cysts that followed significant fibrotic changes and discuss the possible etiologies behind it.