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Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Refined Murine Model of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Published on: June 17, 2025
Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis in heterogeneous clinical conditions: Clinicopathologic analysis of 7 cases
Yoon Jin Cha1, Joungho Han2, Man Pyo Chung3
1Department of Pathology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Background And Aims:
Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is classified as a rare idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, and its clinicopathologic features remain unclear. We sought to investigate the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features of patients with histologically proven PPFE.
Methods:
Seven patients who had histologic features of PPFE that were definitive or consistent with PPFE were included. Clinical data and radiologic findings of chest computed tomography were obtained. Histologic evaluation was performed by 2 pathologists.
Results:
Four patients had elevated serum autoantibodies, 3 had a history of organ transplantation, and 1 had acute Aspergillus infection. All patients had various degrees of restrictive patterns on pulmonary function tests. Histologic examination revealed a variable extent of PPFE. Fibroblastic foci, patchy lymphocytic infiltration, and pneumothorax were observed, but these findings were nonspecific. Radiologically, PPFE lesions were distributed diffusely, rather than being limited to the upper lungs.
Conclusions:
PPFE seems to be a histologic finding that may partly overlap with other chronic lung diseases. There can be various underlying clinical states.
Insights
Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a rare lung disease with unclear features. This study found PPFE can overlap with other lung conditions and has diverse underlying clinical causes.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pathology
- Radiology
Background:
- Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a rare idiopathic interstitial pneumonia.
- Its clinicopathologic features are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features of patients with histologically confirmed PPFE.
Main Methods:
- Histologic evaluation of PPFE in seven patients.
- Analysis of clinical data and chest computed tomography (CT) findings.
Main Results:
- Patients presented with varied clinical histories, including autoimmune markers, organ transplantation, and infections.
- Pulmonary function tests showed restrictive patterns.
- Histology revealed variable PPFE extent with nonspecific findings; radiologically, lesions were diffuse, not solely apical.
Conclusions:
- PPFE may represent a histologic finding that overlaps with other chronic lung diseases.
- Diverse underlying clinical conditions can be associated with PPFE.
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