[Giant cell interstitial pneumonia]

GIP is a rarely occurring disorder. There is only few literature from its first description. Authors observed the course of GIP in the case of a 54 year old female patient in the form of bilateral disseminated microfocal pulmonary shadows, increased reticular outline with associated respiratory insufficiency. Open fine needle pulmonary biopsy proved giant cell desquamative alveolitis with help of light- and electronmicroscopical and histochemical examinations. Although possibility of exogenic, inhalative factor or/and infectious origin arose in causing the disease, disposition from the patient's actual immunological status could had helped the evolution of the disease. This fact seemed to be supported by the histologically proven associated dermatitis purpurica pigmentosa (Schamberg disease). With methylprednisolon therapy full radiological recovery occurred, while Schamberg disease was little influenced by the above mentioned therapy. The patient is pulmonologically symptom-free and without complaint after 1 year without any steroid-medication.