[Idiopathic lymphoid interstitial pneumonia: a report of 3 cases and literature review].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the clinical, radiological and pathological characteristics of idiopathic lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (idiopathic LIP) and to discuss its diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.


METHODS
Respiratory physicians, pathologists and radiologists together retrospectively analyzed the clinical, chest roentgenogram, computerized tomography, pathological, diagnostic and therapeutic data of 3 patients with idiopathic LIP confirmed by lung biopsy, and reviewed the relevant literatures.


RESULTS
The major symptoms of the 3 cases of idiopathic LIP were progressive dyspnea and dry cough. Higher levels of gamma-globulins in serum were found in all the cases. The characteristic radiographic manifestations were bilateral diffuse nodules and cysts. The pathologic feature was diffuse interstitial inflammation with polyclonal lymphocytes infiltration, especially with plasma lymphocytes. Corticosteroids and cytotoxic agents were used and good response to therapy was observed in the cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Idiopathic LIP has some characteristics on the clinical, radiological and pathological features, but the best diagnostic method depends on a clinical-radiological-pathological approach. The disease usually shows good response to combinative therapy of corticosteroids and cytotoxic agents.
Chen
Bao
B
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongli University, Shanghai, China.
Li
Hui-Ping
HP
Zhang
Rong-Xuan
RX
Yi
Xiang-Hua
XH
Shi
Jing-Yun
JY
Shao
Jiang
J
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*