Interstitial lung disease in perinatally-acquired HIV infection: A case report

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can lead to a wide range of lung disorders. These pulmonary manifestations include both infectious and non-infectious conditions. These lung disorders can manifest as interstitial lung disease in children and adolescents living with HIV. We report the case of a 4-month-old female infant admitted for febrile dyspnea requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Computed tomography of the lungs showed diffuse interstitial infiltrates. Bronchoalveolar lavage showed multiple Pneumocystis jirovecii cysts. Molecular testing for HIV infection and Cytomegalovirus PCR assay were positive. The patient received Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole, corticosteroids, folinic acid supplementation and Ganciclovir, and later antiretrovirals. She succumbed later to progressive respiratory failure, marking the progression of lung fibrosis despite the successful treatment of opportunistic infections.