title: Cryptogenic organizing pneumonitis.
abstract: Eight patients with histological intra-alveolar organization, but no evidence of an infective or other aetiological agent, are reported. They characteristically presented with a short history of severe dyspnoea, cough, malaise, weight loss, bilateral radiographic shadowing and a raised ESR. There was a dramatic response clinically and radiologically to prednisolone but relapse occurred quickly as the dose was reduced. Control was re-established with an increased dose of prednisolone. In order to avoid confusion with post-infective organizing pneumonia the term cryptogenic organizing pneumonitis is suggested.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000473:pathology; D011859:Radiography
chemical_list: D011239:Prednisolone