Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia
Encyclopedia
Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (also called lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis or LIP) is a syndrome secondary to autoimmune and other lymphoproliferative disorders. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia applies to a disorders associated with both, monoclonal or polyclonal gammopathy.
, enlarged liver
, enlarged spleen
, enlarged salivary gland
, thickening and widening of the extremities of the fingers and toes (clubbing), and breathing symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing.
when tested in a lab. Respiratory alkalosis
may also be present. Peripheral lymphocytosis can be observed. A lung biopsy may also be indicated.
and Human Immunodeficiency Virus
.
may assist with breathing issues and resolution may occur with the use of Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy. However, responses to different treatments are widely varied, and no single first line treatment represents the default treatment for lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia.
Symptoms
In patients with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia, these patients may present with lymphadenopathyLymphadenopathy
Lymphadenopathy is a term meaning "disease of the lymph nodes." It is, however, almost synonymously used with "swollen/enlarged lymph nodes". It could be due to infection, auto-immune disease, or malignancy....
, enlarged liver
Liver
The liver is a vital organ present in vertebrates and some other animals. It has a wide range of functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion...
, enlarged spleen
Spleen
The spleen is an organ found in virtually all vertebrate animals with important roles in regard to red blood cells and the immune system. In humans, it is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. It removes old red blood cells and holds a reserve of blood in case of hemorrhagic shock...
, enlarged salivary gland
Salivary gland
The salivary glands in mammals are exocrine glands, glands with ducts, that produce saliva. They also secrete amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch into maltose...
, thickening and widening of the extremities of the fingers and toes (clubbing), and breathing symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing.
Diagnosis
Arterial blood gases may reveal hypoxemiaHypoxemia
Hypoxemia is generally defined as decreased partial pressure of oxygen in blood, sometimes specifically as less than or causing hemoglobin oxygen saturation of less than 90%.-Distinction from anemia and hypoxia:...
when tested in a lab. Respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis is a medical condition in which increased respiration elevates the blood pH...
may also be present. Peripheral lymphocytosis can be observed. A lung biopsy may also be indicated.
Causes
Possible causes of lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia include the Epstein-Barr virusEpstein-Barr virus
The Epstein–Barr virus , also called human herpesvirus 4 , is a virus of the herpes family and is one of the most common viruses in humans. It is best known as the cause of infectious mononucleosis...
and Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus is a lentivirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome , a condition in humans in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive...
.
Treatment
Patients presenting with no symptoms, and not affected by the syndrome may not require treatment. However, antibiotics are usually required for bacterial pulmonary infections. BronchodilatorsBronchodilator
A bronchodilator is a substance that dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, decreasing resistance in the respiratory airway and increasing airflow to the lungs. Bronchodilators may be endogenous , or they may be medications administered for the treatment of breathing difficulties...
may assist with breathing issues and resolution may occur with the use of Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy. However, responses to different treatments are widely varied, and no single first line treatment represents the default treatment for lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia.