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Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia presenting with acute onset
Fumio Kumasawa1, Tomoko Kobayashi, Akihiro Noda
1Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo. kumasawa.fumio@nihon-u.ac.jp
Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology
|February 12, 2013
Summary
A 44-year-old woman was diagnosed with chronic eosinophilic pneumonia after presenting with cough and fever. Prompt treatment with prednisolone led to significant symptom and radiologic improvement, highlighting its effectiveness for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Internal Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) is an idiopathic interstitial pneumonia characterized by pulmonary infiltrates and prominent eosinophilia.
- Distinguishing CEP from other eosinophilic lung diseases is crucial for appropriate management.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old female presented with acute respiratory symptoms including cough, sputum, and fever.
- Initial chest X-ray showed scattered left upper lung infiltrates.
- Peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage revealed significant eosinophilia.
Findings:
- Transbronchial lung biopsy confirmed eosinophilic pneumonia with alveolar eosinophil infiltration, basal lamina destruction, and intraluminal fibrosis.
- The patient was diagnosed with chronic eosinophilic pneumonia based on clinical, radiological, and pathological findings.
Implications:
- Corticosteroid therapy, specifically prednisolone, demonstrated rapid and effective resolution of symptoms and radiographic abnormalities in this CEP case.
- This case underscores the importance of considering CEP in patients with unexplained pulmonary infiltrates and peripheral eosinophilia.
- Early diagnosis and treatment with corticosteroids are key to favorable outcomes in chronic eosinophilic pneumonia.
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