A boy with idiopathic interstitial lung disease

We present the case of a child with idiopathic interstitial lung disease unresponsive to steroids, diagnosed by biopsy. Recurrent respiratory infections contraindicated more aggressive immunosuppressive treatment. Physical growth was markedly unsatisfactory. Because of the progressive deterioration of lung function, and of the continuous need for oxygen administration, a heart/double-lung transplantation was performed. At present, 4 years after the procedure, the patient appears clinically stable, with normal spirometry parameters.