Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia presenting with a ground glass nodule: A case report and literature review

Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP) is a rare benign lymphoproliferative disorder, often associated with autoimmune diseases. Most LIPs present with multiple bronchial cysts and diffuse interstitial infiltration. It is histologically characterized by widespread diffuse lymphocytic infiltration of the pulmonary interstitium, and the enlargement and widening of the alveolar septum.

A 49-year-old woman was admitted to hospital for finding pulmonary nodules for more than 2 months. 3D imaging chest computed tomography (CT) examination of both lungs showed that there was a middle lobe of the right lung with a size of about 1.5 cm × 1.1 cm ground-glass nodules.

A single operating port thoracoscopic wedge resection biopsy of a right middle lung nodule was performed. The pathology showed diffuse lymphocytic infiltration with varying numbers of small lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages and histiocytes infiltrating the alveolar septa, widened and enlarged alveolar septa, and scattered lymphoid follicles. Immunohistochemically, CD20 positive in follicular area, CD3 positive in interfollicular area. LIP was considered.

The patient was regularly followed without any specific treatment.

Follow-up chest CT showed no significant abnormalities in the lungs 6 months after surgery.

To the best of our knowledge, our case may be the second reported case of a patient with LIP presenting with a ground glass nodule on chest CT, and it is speculated that the ground glass nodule may be an early manifestation of idiopathic LIP.