Acute interstitial pneumonia

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Acute Interstitial Pneumonia (pronounced: a-kyoot in-ter-stish-al noo-mo-nee-uh), often abbreviated as AIP, is a rare and severe lung disease that typically affects otherwise healthy individuals. The etymology of the term comes from the Latin acutus meaning "sharp" or "severe", interstitium referring to "an intervening space", and pneumonia from the Greek pneumon meaning "lung".

Definition

Acute Interstitial Pneumonia is characterized by the rapid onset of respiratory failure, often requiring mechanical ventilation, with a high mortality rate. It is a form of Diffuse Alveolar Damage (DAD), which is a histopathologic pattern seen in acute, severe lung injury.

Symptoms

The symptoms of AIP are similar to those of other types of pneumonia, including cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. However, these symptoms often progress rapidly, leading to severe respiratory failure.

Causes

The exact cause of AIP is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an abnormal immune response. Some cases have been associated with infections, medications, and other underlying diseases, but in many cases, no specific cause can be identified.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of AIP is often challenging due to its rarity and the lack of specific diagnostic tests. It is typically diagnosed based on a combination of clinical features, imaging studies, and lung biopsy findings.

Treatment

Treatment for AIP is primarily supportive, including oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation if necessary. Some patients may also benefit from treatment with corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications.

Prognosis

The prognosis for AIP is generally poor, with a high mortality rate. However, some patients may recover with appropriate treatment and supportive care.

See Also

External links

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