We encountered a rare case of lymphocytic
interstitial pneumonia (LIP) complicated with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SjS), followed by chest CT scanning for a long period of time. A 54-year-old man with
hemoptysis was admitted to our hospital in December, 2001. A diagnosis of SjS was made based on elevation of
anti-SS-B/La antibody titer in serum in combination with diagnosis of
keratoconjunctivitis sicca and
xerostomia on a Schirmer test and a lip biopsy, respectively. Subsequent histopathological diagnosis by open lung biopsy showed LIP. Chest CT in September, 1995 at previous hospital revealed ground-glassed opacity (GGO), small nodules, thickened bronchovascular bundles and
cyst formation in lungs. Chest CT was performed every year until 2008, when remarkable progression from thickened bronchovascular bundles accompanied by nodular opacities to an air-space consolidation in the right lower lobe was observed. Also, appearance of
cyst formation in the right middle lobe, nodular lesions and GGO in the left lower lobe were noticed. Although the nodular opacities and GGO improved after an administration of
corticosteroid (PSL 0.5 mg/kg/day), little improvement in the consolidations and
cyst formation was demonstrated. In conclusion, it was suggested that differences among CT findings of LIP may be important for evaluating of efficacy of treatment by
steroid agents for LIP associated with SjS.