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[Chronic idiopathic eosinophilic pneumopathy. Carrington's disease]
Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|October 21, 1989
Summary
Idiopathic chronic eosinophilic pneumonia presents with asthma-like symptoms and lung opacities. Corticosteroids provide initial relief, but long-term treatment is often necessary due to potential relapses.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Internal Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Idiopathic chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (ICEP) is a rare inflammatory lung disease.
- Characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of lung tissue.
- Often mimics other respiratory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical, radiological, and therapeutic features of ICEP.
- To evaluate the long-term outcomes and management of ICEP patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 11 ICEP cases.
- Analysis of clinical data, radiological findings, and bronchoalveolar lavage.
- Long-term follow-up (3-15 years) assessing treatment response and relapse.
Main Results:
- Female predominance, mean age 51, with preceding asthma-like symptoms.
- Radiological signs included bilateral alveolar opacities, often migratory.
- Significant blood eosinophilia (average 4,500/mm³) and eosinophils in lavage fluid.
- All patients responded to corticosteroids, with rapid radiological improvement.
- Relapses and steroid-dependent asthma necessitated long-term corticosteroid therapy in all cases.
Conclusions:
- ICEP is characterized by specific clinical and radiological patterns.
- Corticosteroid therapy is effective but often requires long-term use due to high relapse rates and steroid dependency.