Acute eosinophilic pneumonia: radiographic and CT findings in six patients

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1996 Nov;167(5):1195-9. doi: 10.2214/ajr.167.5.8911179.

Abstract

Objective: Our objective was to assess the radiographic and CT findings of acute eosinophilic pneumonia.

Conclusion: Initial and follow-up chest radiographs, chest CT scans (n = 5) and clinical data in six patients with acute eosinophilic pneumonia were reviewed by two chest radiologists. The predominant initial radiographic finding was diffuse bilateral reticular densities (four [67%] of six patients). Areas of ground-glass opacity were observed on CT scans in all patients (5 of 5) and were bilateral, random, and patchy in distribution in four (80%) of five patients. Smooth septal thickening and pleural effusions were observed in four patients. The disease manifested as rapid onset of severe dyspnea and fever and rapid resolution with (n = 3) or without (n = 3) steroid therapy. Bilateral reticular densities on chest radiographs and, on CT scans, ground-glass opacity with smooth septal thickening and pleural effusion associated with acute fever and dyspnea may suggest the diagnosis of acute eosinophilic pneumonia.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Dyspnea / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Fever / physiopathology
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Pleural Effusion / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Eosinophilia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pulmonary Eosinophilia / drug therapy
  • Pulmonary Eosinophilia / physiopathology
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Steroids / therapeutic use
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*

Substances

  • Steroids