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[A patient with cryptogenic organizing pneumonitis who presented with multiple patchy shadows]
H Takekawa1, M Munakata, S Saiki
1First Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi
|July 1, 1995
Summary
This case study highlights cryptogenic organizing pneumonitis (COP), a lung condition presenting with abnormal chest X-ray shadows. Prompt treatment with corticosteroids led to significant improvement, underscoring COP
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Cryptogenic organizing pneumonitis (COP) is an idiopathic interstitial pneumonia.
- Diagnosis often relies on characteristic imaging and biopsy findings.
- Abnormal immunological states can be associated with interstitial lung diseases.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old woman presented with abnormal chest roentgenogram findings.
- Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed lymphocytosis (47%) and immunoelectrophoresis showed polyclonal gammopathy.
- Chest CT demonstrated peripheral, pleura-based patchy shadows with characteristic concentric enlargement and pleural clearing.
Findings:
- Open lung biopsy confirmed organizing pneumonitis; bronchiolitis obliterans was absent.
- The patient's lung shadows significantly resolved after treatment with oral prednisolone (30 mg daily).
- Radiological and clinical presentation were consistent with typical cryptogenic organizing pneumonitis.
Implications:
- This case reinforces the diagnostic criteria for cryptogenic organizing pneumonitis.
- Early corticosteroid therapy is effective in managing COP.
- Understanding the immunological and radiological features is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment of COP.