Respiratory bronchiolitis-associated interstitial lung disease: a case report with bronchoalveolar lavage findings

We report a case of respiratory bronchiolitis-associated interstitial lung disease in a young asymptomatic heavy cigarette smoker. Diagnosis was achieved by examination of specimens obtained from open lung biopsy, but retrospective evaluation of bronchoalveolar lavage findings offer some circumstantial suggestions. We provide evidence for the nature of inclusions contained in alveolar macrophages. Problems related to the classification of respiratory bronchiolitis-associated interstitial lung disease are also discussed.