Idiopathic chronic eosinophilic pneumonia: a differential diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infection.

Abstract

A 43-year-old woman presented with a presumed lower respiratory tract infection, with symptoms of persistent cough, lethargy, fevers and night sweats. Initial general practitioner assessment revealed raised C reactive protein and a leucocytosis comprising both a neutrophilia and an eosinophilia. The patient was initially treated for bacterial pneumonia. Despite treatment, the patient's condition did not improve and hospital admission was arranged for further investigation. Initial physical examination was unremarkable. A chest X-ray revealed bilateral, symmetrical, peripheral consolidation with an upper zone predominance. Subsequently, endobronchial washings revealed abundant eosinophils. A diagnosis of idiopathic chronic eosinophilic pneumonia was made, and the patient responded well to oral corticosteroids with complete resolution of radiological appearances 1 month later.

• Authors: Thomas Robert Elswood, Coralie Turner, James Hornsby
• Journal: BMJ case reports (BMJ Case Rep) Vol. 15 Issue 5 (May 20 2022) ISSN: 1757-790X [Electronic] England
• PMID: 35606034 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2022. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

Topics

• Adult
• Bronchoalveolar Lavage
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Female
• Humans
• Pulmonary Eosinophilia (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Respiratory Tract Infections (diagnosis)