Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia: report of one case and review of liferature

Abstract

Objective To raise awareness of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) by introducing one case of CEP and reviewing nine domestic literature reports (ten patients) in the past 7 years. Methods The clinical and follow-up data of one patient with CEP were analyzed, and clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of CEP were discussed combining with literatures. Results CEP is a chronic eosinophil inflammation of lung with unknown cause. The features of CEP were that the patients had history of hypersensitivity disease, most patients had expectoration, fever, different degrees of dyspnoea, and clinical manifestations of some patients were negative, but found in the examination. Peripheral blood eosinophils and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in most patients significantly increased. Chest X-ray film showed nonlung segment distribution, progressivity, and high-density infiltrations in the pulmonary peripheral.Reverse pulmonary edema sign was often found. Eosinophils significantly increased in sputum and (or)bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Anti-infective therapy was ineffective but oral corticosteroid therapy had good response. The shadow rapidly absorbed after oral corticosteroid therapy, the overall prognosis was good. Conclusions For pneumonia patients with aforesaid features and ineffective antibiotic treatment,CEP should be suspected,eosinophil counts by bronchoalveolar lavage or percutaneous lung biopsy in time can make a definite diagnosis. Key words: Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia; Diagnosis