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.

Abstract

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.

Related Concept Videos

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum01:21

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum or smooth ER is a sub-organelle with specialized functions in animal cells and plant cells. It is often associated with the tubule morphology of the endoplasmic reticulum.
The ER provides optimal conditions for synthesizing steroid hormones and lipids, such as phospholipids and triglycerides. Traditionally, lipid metabolism was considered to be a smooth ER function. However, there is no direct evidence to prove that rough ER is completely excluded from lipid...
8.4K
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction01:25

Pleural Effusion I: Introduction

Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
4.8K
Amyloid Fibrils03:03

Amyloid Fibrils

Amyloid fibrils are aggregates of misfolded proteins.  Under most circumstances, misfolded proteins are either refolded by chaperone proteins or degraded by the proteasome. However, in the case of a mutation or a disease, these proteins can accumulate to form large clusters and often further assemble to form elongated fibers, called fibrils. 
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen.   In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining,...
12.1K
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features01:20

COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
1.9K
Lysosomal Hydrolases01:22

Lysosomal Hydrolases

Lysosomes are the site for the degradation of macromolecules and biological polymers released during membrane trafficking events such as secretory, endocytic, autophagic, and phagocytic pathways. The membrane-enclosed area of the lysosome, called the lumen, contains hydrolytic enzymes active in an acidic environment. These acid hydrolases are functional at a pH between 4.5 and 5 and are involved in cellular processes such as cell signaling, energy metabolism, restoration of the plasma membrane,...
4.7K
Introduction to Fibroblasts01:09

Introduction to Fibroblasts

Rudolph Virchow discovered spindle-shaped cells called fibroblasts in 1858. Inactive fibroblasts, called fibrocytes, become activated by various stimuli, such as growth factors and inflammatory cytokines. Activated fibroblasts play a crucial role in wound healing, inflammation, formation of new blood vessels, and cancer progression. Uncontrolled activation of fibroblasts results in fibrosis, the excess deposition of fibrous tissue, which can lead to scarring and affect normal organs. This...
4.1K