Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia
CT scan of lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia
Synonyms	LIP
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Cough, dyspnea, fever, weight loss
Complications	Pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory failure
Onset	Variable
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Autoimmune diseases, HIV/AIDS, Sjogren's syndrome, dysproteinemia
Risks	Immunodeficiency, autoimmune disorders
Diagnosis	HRCT, lung biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depends on underlying cause
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP) is a rare form of interstitial lung disease characterized by the infiltration of the lung interstitium with lymphocytes. It is considered a benign lymphoproliferative disorder, although it can progress to more serious conditions in some cases.

Pathophysiology

LIP involves the diffuse infiltration of the pulmonary interstitium by lymphocytes, plasma cells, and other immune cells. This infiltration leads to thickening of the alveolar walls and can impair gas exchange. The exact cause of LIP is not well understood, but it is often associated with autoimmune diseases, such as Sjogren's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus. It can also be seen in association with HIV/AIDS and other immunodeficiency states.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with LIP may present with nonspecific respiratory symptoms such as cough, dyspnea (shortness of breath), and occasionally chest pain. The disease can be asymptomatic in its early stages and is sometimes discovered incidentally on imaging studies.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of LIP is typically made through a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and histopathological examination.

Imaging

High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest is a key diagnostic tool. It often shows diffuse ground-glass opacities, reticular patterns, and sometimes cystic changes in the lungs.

Histopathology

A lung biopsy is often required to confirm the diagnosis. Histological examination reveals a diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells in the interstitium, with preservation of the lung architecture.

Treatment

The management of LIP depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the disease. In cases associated with autoimmune diseases, treatment of the underlying condition can lead to improvement. Corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents are sometimes used to reduce inflammation.

Prognosis

The prognosis of LIP varies. Some patients experience a stable course, while others may progress to pulmonary fibrosis or develop lymphoma. Regular follow-up and monitoring are essential to manage potential complications.

See also

• Interstitial lung disease
• Sjogren's syndrome
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• HIV/AIDS
• Pulmonary fibrosis