Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia: A case report and review of the literature

Yunjie Ge, Xiudi Han, Xuedong Liu

Department of Respirology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China.

DOI: 10.4236/ojim.2013.34027                

Abstract

Objective: We introduce one case of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) and review the literature nearly 10 years in order to improve the understanding of this rare disease. Methods: A case of CEP diagnosed by transbronchial lung biopsy with clinical and follow-up data was analyzed and its clinical features, diagnosis and treatment combined with the literature were discussed. Result: CEP is a chronic pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation with unknown etiology, characterized by history of allergic disease, cough, sputum, but often breathlessness and wheezing; eosinophil in peripheral blood and/or sputum and/or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid significantly increased; chest X-ray showed progressively peripheral non-segment distribution of high-density infiltrates, often called “reversed pulmonary edema sign”; Pathology showed eosinophil infiltration in lung interstitial, bronchial submucosal and excessive eosinophil exudation in alveolar. Oral corticosteroids had a good response, but easy to relapse. Conclusions: Eosinophil count of bronchoalveolar lavage or lung biopsy can confirm the diagnosis of CEP timely in suspected patients. Bronchoscope can play an important role in assisting diagnosis and improving symptoms. 

Keywords

Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia; Case Report

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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