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Acute eosinophilic pneumonia: radiologic and clinical features
M A King1, A L Pope-Harman, J N Allen
1Department of Radiology, Ohio State University Hospitals, Columbus 43210, USA.
Radiology
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Acute eosinophilic pneumonia presents with specific radiographic and CT findings, often including bilateral opacities and pleural effusion. Prompt corticosteroid treatment leads to rapid improvement in air-space disease.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
- Critical Care
Background:
- Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) is a rare but serious condition.
- It can rapidly progress to acute respiratory failure in previously healthy individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) imaging features of acute eosinophilic pneumonia.
- To correlate imaging findings with clinical presentation and treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of chest radiographs and CT scans from 12 patients diagnosed with AEP.
- Diagnosis confirmed by clinical symptoms and bronchoalveolar lavage.
- Image interpretation by two experienced thoracic radiologists.
Main Results:
- Common findings include bilateral air-space and interstitial opacities.
- Pleural effusion was observed in 58% of patients on initial radiographs and in all patients during the disease course.
- CT scans revealed interlobular septal thickening, ground-glass attenuation, and consolidation.
- Marked improvement in air-space disease was noted within 3 days of corticosteroid treatment.
Conclusions:
- Acute eosinophilic pneumonia should be considered in cases of acute respiratory failure of unknown origin.
- Characteristic imaging findings can aid in early diagnosis.
- The condition responds well to corticosteroid therapy.