An Uncommon Case of Secondary Organizing Pneumonia Due to Influenza A Infection

TL;DR

A 62-year-old woman developed secondary organizing pneumonia after an influenza A infection, highlighting the importance of recognizing this rare complication.

Contribution

This case report highlights the rare occurrence of secondary organizing pneumonia following H1N1 influenza A infection and emphasizes the need for vigilance in diagnosis.

Findings

A 62-year-old woman with confirmed H1N1 influenza A developed secondary organizing pneumonia.

Standard antiviral therapy was insufficient, requiring methylprednisolone pulse therapy for improvement.

The case underscores the importance of considering organizing pneumonia in patients with persistent symptoms after viral pneumonia.

Abstract

Secondary organizing pneumonia (SOP) is defined as a lung disease process caused by pulmonary tissue injury. SOP may rarely occur after influenza A infections, including H1N1 influenza A. We present a case of a 62-year-old woman who was diagnosed with viral pneumonia caused by type A influenza, which was confirmed by nasopharyngeal swab reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Her abnormal chest shadows and oxygen demand did not improve despite antiviral therapy. Given her clinical deterioration, a high-resolution CT of the chest (HRCT-chest) was done, which confirmed SOP. She was managed with methylprednisolone pulse therapy followed by a tapering regime in addition to standard treatment. This report underscores the need for physicians to remain vigilant about the possibility of OP even in cases of viral pneumonia.

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