Open AccessCigarette smoking-induced acute eosinophilic pneumonia
Author(s) -
Xing Liu,
Wangyuan Sun,
Wenqi Meng,
Yonglong Xiao,
Ganzhu Feng,
Bin Shi
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.59
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1536-5964
pISSN - 0025-7974
DOI - 10.1097/md.0000000000014704
Subject(s) - medicine , bronchoalveolar lavage , eosinophilia , eosinophilic pneumonia , pneumonia , diffuse alveolar damage , pleural effusion , chest radiograph , pathology , respiratory distress , pulmonary eosinophilia , gastroenterology , lung , anesthesia , acute respiratory distress
Rationale: Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) is a rare pulmonary disease, which is characterized by diffuse pulmonary eosinophilia. The pathogenesis remains unknown. Here we report a patient with AEP following a recently acquired habit of smoking. Patient concerns: A 21-year-old female presented with fever, dry cough, and acute hypoxic respiratory distress for 2 days. Chest computed tomography showed bilateral ground glass opacities, patchy nodules, and pleural effusions. Blood tests showed a gradually raised peripheral eosinophils level. Diagnoses: Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid revealed marked elevation of eosinophils. She was diagnosed with AEP. Interventions: Systemic methylprednisolone was immediately used for treatment. Outcomes: Her clinical symptoms and chest radiographs improved promptly after treatment. Lessons: Cigarette smoking might be an underlying triggering factor of AEP. Diffuse alveolar infiltrates and a gradually increasing peripheral eosinophilia should raise the concern especially in recent smoking patients.