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Cellular interstitial pneumonitis in infants. A clinicopathologic study
S A Schroeder1, D C Shannon, E J Mark
1New York Medical College, Valhalla 10591.
Insights
Neonatal cellular interstitial pneumonitis presents with persistent tachypnea and unique histiocytic findings. This distinct condition in infants requires further investigation into its unknown etiology.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Pathology
Background:
- Interstitial pneumonitis is a group of lung diseases affecting the interstitium.
- Existing classifications of interstitial pneumonitis include usual, lymphocytic, and desquamative types, primarily described in adults and older children.
Observation:
- Five neonates presented with tachypnea at birth and persistent clinical and radiographic disease.
- Infants showed diffuse interstitial thickening on open-lung biopsy.
- Histologic findings revealed pale oval and spindle-shaped histiocytes without evidence of scarring.
Findings:
- A distinct form of neonatal cellular interstitial pneumonitis was identified.
- This condition exhibits constant and unique histologic findings.
- It differs significantly from previously described interstitial pneumonitis in neonates, children, and adults.
Implications:
- This study identifies a novel interstitial lung disease in neonates.
- The distinct clinical and histological features necessitate recognition and further research.
- The unknown etiology highlights the need for future studies to understand and manage this condition.
Abstract:
Five infants had interstitial pneumonitis with constant histologic findings, which was different from that previously described in children. All the infants presented with tachypnea at birth and persistent disease, both clinically and radiographically, despite treatment. Open-lung biopsy in each case showed a diffuse interstitial thickening due to pale oval and spindle-shaped histiocytes without scarring. This neonatal cellular interstitial pneumonitis differs both clinically and histologically from the usual interstitial pneumonitis, lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis and desquamative interstitial pneumonitis observed in adults and children. The etiology of this cellular interstitial pneumonitis in neonates is unknown.