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Updated: Feb 17, 2026
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Induced Lung Injury Model
Published on: October 29, 2014
A case of herbicide-induced acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia?
Shengsong Chen1, Hong Zhou1, Lingling Yu2
1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, No.92 Aiguo Road, Nanchang, 330006, China.
Background:
To improve the understanding of acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia (AFOP), we present one case of AFOP proven by percutaneous lung biopsy along with clinical features, chest imaging and pathology.
Case Presentation:
A 50-year-old man was admitted to our department after he was given empiric therapy for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The clinical symptoms of the patient were dry cough, chills, night sweats and high fevers. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed a high-density shadow in the right lung lobe, similar to lobular pneumonia. The patient was preliminarily diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia; however, antibacterial treatment was ineffective. To confirm the diagnosis, we performed bronchoscopy and percutaneous lung biopsy; pathology was consistent with AFOP. After he was treated with glucocorticoids, the patient's symptoms were relieved, and the shadow seen on imaging dissipated during the follow-up period.
Conclusions:
AFOP is a rare histopathological diagnosis that can be easily misdiagnosed. Clinicians need to consider the possibility of AFOP in the case of invalid antibacterial therapy.
Insights
Acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia (AFOP) is a rare lung condition. Early diagnosis and glucocorticoid treatment are crucial for recovery when standard antibiotics fail.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pathology
- Radiology
Background:
- Acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia (AFOP) is a rare histopathological diagnosis.
- Understanding AFOP requires integrating clinical, imaging, and pathological findings.
- This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of AFOP.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old male presented with symptoms mimicking community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
- Initial empiric antibacterial therapy for suspected CAP was ineffective.
- Chest CT revealed a high-density shadow in the right lung lobe.
Findings:
- Percutaneous lung biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of AFOP.
- Pathological findings were consistent with AFOP.
- Glucocorticoid therapy led to symptom relief and radiological improvement.
Implications:
- AFOP can be misdiagnosed due to its non-specific presentation.
- Consider AFOP in cases of refractory pneumonia despite antibacterial treatment.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment (e.g., glucocorticoids) are key for favorable outcomes in AFOP.
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