Pulmonary infiltrates and eosinophilia revisited.
Diseases characterized by pulmonary infiltrates and peripheral eosinophilia have been grouped based on a common clinical presentation. Early classification schemes viewed these syndromes as a continuum with significant overlap between categories. Although understanding of certain of these syndromes has increased, this classification system remains a useful framework for identification and diagnosis. At present, we cannot predict which patients with isolated lung involvement will progress to involvement of other organs. Early diagnosis and close follow-up are critical. Corticosteroids are the primary treatment in most of these diseases; cytotoxic agents also have a role. The role of the eosinophil in the disease process and the syndromes included in the differential diagnosis are reviewed. Loeffler's syndrome, eosinophilic pneumonia, the hypereosinophilic syndrome, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, and tropical pulmonary eosinophilia are discussed in detail.
Meeker
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DP
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001229:Aspergillosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D015267:Churg-Strauss Syndrome / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D011657:Pulmonary Eosinophilia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones