An unusual case of pneumonia

Arduino A. Mangoni, S. R. Desai, H. Shaikh, R. D. Barker, G. J. Mufti, S. H.D. Jackson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A previously healthy 37-year-old man was admitted with a two-month history of increasing shortness of breath and high temperature. A chest X-ray demonstrated bibasal shadowing and small bilateral pleural effusions; arterial blood gases demonstrated low pO2. Despite intravenous antibiotics no significant improvement was observed. A high-resolution chest computed tomography showed diffuse ground-glass opacification with segmental and subsegmental airways opacification, indicating fine fibrosis. Subsequently, open lung biopsy showed diffuse alveolar damage and a histopathological diagnosis of acute interstitial pneumonia (Hamman-Rich syndrome) was made. Antibiotics were stopped and high intravenous doses of steroids were given with a dramatic improvement in the patient's breathing and radiographic findings. The pathophysiological mechanisms of acute interstitial pneumonia and current therapeutic options are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)153-154
Number of pages2
JournalInternational Journal of Clinical Practice
Volume57
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2003
Externally publishedYes

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