Eosinophilic Lung Disease: Accompanied with 12 Cases

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Rheumatology
• Allergy and Immunology

Background:

• Eosinophilic lung diseases are rare, heterogeneous conditions characterized by increased eosinophils in airways and lung parenchyma.
• Patients often present with asthma, sinusitis, or allergic rhinitis, alongside respiratory symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical features and prognoses of patients diagnosed with eosinophilic lung disease in a clinical setting.
• To analyze the diagnostic findings and treatment responses in different subtypes of eosinophilic lung disease.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective evaluation of 12 patients diagnosed with eosinophilic lung disease: EGPA (n=4), CEP (n=7), and simple pulmonary eosinophilia (n=1).
• Analysis of clinical presentations, laboratory findings (peripheral eosinophilia, IgE, DLCO), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and transbronchial biopsy results.
• Review of treatment responses, including prednisolone, and patient outcomes, noting relapses and mortality.

Main Results:

• The study included 8 females with an average age of 43 years, all with pre-existing asthma. Common symptoms were dyspnea and cough.
• Peripheral eosinophilia and elevated IgE were universal. Bronchoalveolar lavage showed >25% eosinophils in 7/10 cases, and biopsy revealed eosinophilic infiltration in 6/8 cases.
• Prednisolone was initiated for most patients; 8 experienced relapses, and one EGPA case resulted in mortality. Simple pulmonary eosinophilia showed spontaneous recovery.

Conclusions:

• Eosinophilic lung disease encompasses a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, necessitating specific diagnoses.
• Close patient follow-up during and after treatment is essential due to variable disease progression and potential for relapse.