Objective: To discuss the clinical features of nonspecific interstitial pneumonia.
Method: Review of three cases of pathologically proved NSIP with the clinical, radiological, physical and bronchoscopic presentation.
Results: Three cases, one male and two females, aged from 49 to 59, presented with a duration of symptoms on diagnosis of 3 to 7 months. Cough, worsening dyspnea and inspiratory crackles were presented in all three cases and intermittent low grade fever in two but none has digital clubbing. There was a history of organic dust exposure in one case and in another case primary Sjögren's syndrome was diagnosed. Patchy ground-glass attenuation with thickening of bronchovascular markings were the main findings in high resolusion computed tomography (HRCT) of all three cases. Small areas of consolidation in two cases and traction bronchiectasis in one were found while there was no honeycombing. Increased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell recovery and percentage of lymphocytes were found in all cases. The BALF CD4/CD8 ratio was measured in two cases and was markedly decreased in both cases.
Conclusion: NSIP has some clinical features that are different from UIP and may provide clues to diagnosis.