title: What is DIPNECH?
abstract: Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is a rare disorder that is being diagnosed more frequently with the increasing availability of advanced imaging and more accurate histopathology. It occurs most commonly in nonsmoking, middle-aged women. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings include mosaic attenuation due to constrictive bronchiolitis and small (<5 mm) randomly distributed pulmonary nodules. It is important to recognize this condition as it is considered a precursor of peripheral carcinoid tumors. This article will present a case of this uncommon condition with review of the literature, imaging findings, and clinical presentation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors.forename: Christopher M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: Dharsan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vummidi
authors.forename: Joshua O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Benditt
authors.forename: J David
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Godwin
authors.forename: Sudhakar
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pipavath
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000473:pathology*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D055099:Neuroendocrine Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000473:pathology*; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed