Incidentally Detected Diffuse Cystic Lung Disease During Evaluation for Suspected Pulmonary Embolism in a Never-Smoker: A Case Report from Gabon
Maladie Pulmonaire Kystique Diffuse Découverte Fortuitement chez un Non-Fumeur lors du Bilan d'une Suspicion d'Embolie Pulmonaire : A Propos d'un Cas au Gabon
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67260/hra.v4i8.7907Keywords:
diffuse cystic lund disease, non smoker, chest CT Scan, Differential diagnosisAbstract
Diffuse cystic lung diseases are rare conditions that are difficult to diagnose, particularly in settings with limited resources. We report the case of a 46-year-old man, a non-smoker, presenting with asthenia and weight loss following a flu-like illness. Laboratory tests revealed a mild inflammatory response with a C-reactive protein level of 9.2 mg/L, associated with a marked elevation in D-dimers to 4758.33 ng/mL FEU (fibrinogen equivalent units). The electrocardiogram showed a regular sinus tachycardia with no signs of right-sided cardiac overload. The patient did not consent to further diagnostic investigations, notably bronchoscopy with biopsy for histopathological examination and pulmonary function tests, due to anxiety caused by these procedures. Symptomatic management combined with close clinical monitoring was initiated, prior to the patient being referred for specialist follow-up in respiratory medicine. This case highlights the value of chest computed tomography and the clinical-radiological approach in guiding the diagnostic process.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Hilda Birinda, Raphael Okoue Ondo, Stéphane Oliveira, Yannick Arnaud Ivala Mendome, Alain Ondo Nang, Fanie Nelie Chela Tchibinda Ali, Rana Farelle Atome Minang, Romain Tchoua, Jean Marcel Mandji Lawson
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