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

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 etiol ogy, 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, bron chial 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.