Abstract: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a respiratory disease characterized by slow progression. It is a special type of interstitial pneumonia. Its pathological changes are confined to lungs. It is common in the elderly. However some cases occur with acute exacerbation that manifested by sudden deterioration of the original pulmonary lesions, fatal respiratory failure and new pulmonary shadow and diffuse alveolar pathological changes. This acute exacerbation of IPF can occur in patients with primary lung cancer after lung resection, usually with an acute or subacute onset. The etiology of acute exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis after lung cancer surgery is still unclear. It is usually considered to be related to pulmonary injury of unknown causes. Because of its hidden onset, rapid progression, high mortality and lack of routine preventive and therapeutic measures in clinic, it has become a difficult problem for clinicians. This article reviews the etiology, risk factors, predictive indicators, prophylaxis, treatment and prognosis of acute exacerbation of IPF after lung cancer surgery.

Key words: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, lung neoplasms, pneumonectomy, postoperative complications, acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis