Desquamative interstitial pneumonia

ABSTRACT

The clinical radiological and pathological features of desquamative interstitial pneumonia in a 55-year old Jamaican male negro are described. Although the patient presented with progressive effort dyspnoea there were minimal abnormal chest signs but marked derangement of the respiratory function tests. The most severe radiological changes were demonstrated in the middle zones of the lung fields, and a follow-up chest film 2 months later showed slight involvement of the lower zones as well. The microscopic appearance was typical of the condition except that the vascular changes overshadowed the other abnormalities present. Although there was an excellent subjective response to steroid therapy, lung function tests repeated 2 months after the onset of the disease showed no significant change. (Summary)