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KL-6 as an indicator for lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP) in a human T-lymphotrophic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)
1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Faculty of Medicine, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan.
Abstract:
A 59-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital complaining of a productive cough, dyspnea on effort, and low-grade fever. Although chest X-rays showed no marked abnormalities, her level of serum KL-6 was extremely high. We therefore suspected the presence of interstitial pneumonia. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) scan revealed infiltrative shadows in S6 of the right lung, and her serum was positive for antihuman T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) antibodies. From the clinical symptoms, radiographic findings, and histological findings, the diagnosis was probable lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP). After high-dose corticosteroid therapy, the level of serum KL-6 decreased rapidly. We conclude that KL-6 is a convenient and reliable marker for evaluating the activity of pulmonary manifestations in HTLV-1 carriers and that it is especially useful in monitoring the effectiveness of treatments.