New-onset asthma in a bilateral lung transplant patient

Abstract

We present a case of new-onset asthma in a 35-year-old man who had undergone bilateral lung transplantation 11 years before due to idiopathic bronchiectasis and pulmonary hypertension. He presented with recurrent episodes of breathlessness, wheezing and coughing. Spirometry demonstrated severe airway obstruction. After treatment with systemic and inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators as well as short-acting beta-agonists as needed, his symptoms resolved and his spirometry normalised. A bronchial mannitol challenge test showed significant airway hyperresponsiveness and is thus consistent for a diagnosis of asthma. To our best knowledge, this is the first case of late new-onset asthma in a lung transplant recipient.

Keywords: asthma; respiratory medicine.