Case report and comprehensive literature review: A rare instance of lipoid pneumonia

This case report elucidates the diagnostic challenges and natural progression of lipoid pneumonia (LP), a rare pulmonary condition, highlighting the critical importance of long-term monitoring.

An 82-year-old female presented with a 2-year history of chronic cough and an acute exacerbation.

Initial diagnosis was severe pneumonia. Definitive diagnosis of LP was confirmed by computed tomography -guided lung biopsy, which revealed lipid-laden macrophages.

Suspected lipid exposure was discontinued, and supportive conservative care was provided.

Despite intervention, serial follow-up computed tomography scans showed slow radiographic progression of the pneumonia.

LP has nonspecific presentations, leading to underdiagnosis. Diagnosis requires suspicion, exposure history, and pathological confirmation. Management focuses on eliminating the cause and supportive care, yet progression may still occur, necessitating long-term monitoring.