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Exogenous lipoid pneumonia: HRCT, MR, and pathologic findings
F Laurent1, J C Philippe, B Vergier
1Department of Medical Imaging, Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
European Radiology
|July 23, 1999
Summary
High-resolution CT (HRCT) and MR imaging reveal characteristic patterns of exogenous lipoid pneumonia. These imaging findings correlate with pathologic features, aiding in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pulmonology
- Pathology
Background:
- Exogenous lipoid pneumonia is a rare condition resulting from the aspiration or inhalation of lipid-containing substances.
- Accurate diagnosis relies on correlating clinical, imaging, and pathological findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the high-resolution CT (HRCT) and MR imaging findings in exogenous lipoid pneumonia.
- To correlate these imaging findings with histopathological features.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of seven patients diagnosed with exogenous lipoid pneumonia.
- Review of HRCT and MR imaging by two independent readers.
- Pathological examination of surgical biopsies or resected specimens in four cases.
Main Results:
- HRCT showed pulmonary consolidations (n=6) with low attenuation values, ground-glass opacities (n=5), and crazy-paving patterns (n=5).
- Fibrotic changes including traction bronchiectasis and cystic changes were observed in two cases.
- MR imaging revealed lipid content in one case as high signal intensity on T1-weighted images.
- Pathology demonstrated lesions of varying ages with lipid-laden macrophages, inflammation, and fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- HRCT findings, particularly consolidations with low attenuation and crazy-paving patterns, are indicative of exogenous lipoid pneumonia.
- Imaging findings correlate well with pathological changes, supporting their diagnostic utility.