[Eosinophilic pulmonary infiltrates or the PIE syndrome]

A 22-year-old male suffering from bronchial obstruction, in whom the usual anti-allergic treatment was almost ineffective, had a high degree of blood eosinophilia and migrating pulmonary infiltrates. These infiltrates were strongly suspected to be of eosinophilic origin, in view of the results of bronchoalveolar lavage. Unfortunately, no clear cause of the disorder was found. Corticosteroid treatment per os and by inhalation clearly improved his condition. However, the treatment with inhalation corticosteroids has to be continued indefinitely.