Idiopathic lipoid pneumonia successfully treated with prednisolone

Heart Lung. 2012 Mar-Apr;41(2):184-7. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2011.01.003. Epub 2011 Mar 21.

Abstract

Lipoid pneumonia (LP) is a rare type of pneumonia that is radiologically characterized by lung infiltrates, although imaging alone may not be diagnostic. We describe an unusual 61-year-old patient with idiopathic LP presenting as a solitary pulmonary nodule mimicking lung cancer because of its rapid growth. After treatment with oral prednisone, a control chest radiogram indicated complete normalization of the radiologic features. This case shows that LP should be considered in the diagnostic assessment of any undefined pulmonary mass, after malignancy has been pathologically excluded.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumonia, Lipid / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumonia, Lipid / drug therapy*
  • Pneumonia, Lipid / pathology
  • Prednisolone / administration & dosage*
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Prednisolone