Pulmonary Squamous Cell Carcinoma With Hemopneumothorax Related to Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis Post-Liver Transplantation

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a rare interstitial pneumonia subtype. Its association with lung cancer remains unclear, with limited reported cases. We present a case of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with PPFE after liver transplantation. Eleven years post-transplant, the patient experienced hemopneumothorax, requiring emergency surgery, and received a diagnosis of NSCLC. Although cancer recurrence was not shown, the patient died of an acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia that had spread from both lower lobes 12 months later. In lung cancer with PPFE, considering treatment strategies with careful monitoring of life-threatening complications such as hemopneumothorax and interstitial pneumonia exacerbation is crucial for long-term survival.