Download presentation
1
Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonia
Trying to make sense of the letters Michelle Thompson, MS4 February 2006
2
Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias (IIP’s)
Group of uncommon parenchymal lung diseases Similar pattern of lung injury to those seen in collagen vascular disease, drug reactions, asbestosis and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis “Idiopathic” reserved for conditions in which the cause of lung injury pattern is unknown
3
Classification “So diverse are the different forms and so varied the conditions under which this change occurs that a proper classification is extremely difficult” Osler speaking of IIP (1892)
4
Classification A number of classification schemes, names and definitions have been associated with the IIP’s over the years leading to a great deal of confusion (and article titles referring to “alphabet soup”) American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS) met in 2002 to clarify nomenclature and describe the clinical, radiologic and histologic patterns of these conditions Participants included thoracic radiologists, pulmonologists and pulmonary pathologists
5
Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias (clinical nomenclature as proposed by ATS/ERS)
Include (in order of frequency): Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) Non-specific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP) Cryptogenic Organizing pneumonia (COP) Acute Interstitial Pneumonia (AIP) Respiratory Bronchiolitis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease (RB-ILD) Desquamative Interstital Pneumonia (DIP) Lymphoid Interstitial Pneumonia (LIP)
6
Diagnosis of IIP ATS/ERS guidelines emphasize the importance of combined clinical, radiologic and histologic diagnosis of IIP’s The MOST IMPORTANT distinction is between UIP and the other IIP’s due to prognostic and therapeutic implications
7
Diagnosis of IIP HIGHLIGHTS:
If HRCT gives confident diagnosis of UIP, no lung biopsy needed and diagnostic process is done If equivocal findings on HRCT, then surgical lung biopsy considered Figure from UpToDate, adapted from ATS/ERS guidelines
8
Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) Also known as Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
Most common IIP Primarily a fibrotic condition
9
Clinical Findings in UIP
Age >50 Slight male predominance Symptoms usually present 6 months prior to presentation Progressive shortness of breath, non-productive cough Physical exam: end-inspiratory crackles at lung bases “velcro” lung Lung function tests: restrictive pattern Decreased DLCO
10
Histologic Findings in UIP
Histology: Fibroblastic foci at the edge of dense scars Subpleural, paraseptal and/or peribronchovascular distribution Dense fibrosis causes remodeling of lung architecture and frequent honeycomb fibrosis Two distinguishing characteristics from other IIP’s Temporal heterogeneity: fibrotic lesions of different stages within same biopsy specimen Spatial heterogeneity: patchy lung involvement
11
Histology of UIP Left to right:
Patchy fibrosis, subpleural distribution. Some lymphoid aggregates (black arrow). Areas of normal lung also present. Fibroblastic focus (white arrow) adjacent to dense collagenous scar. Figures from Lynch et al. 2005
12
Radiographic features of UIP
Radiographs Bilateral and basilar irregular linear opacities (close to 100% of cases) Ground glass opacities Honeycombing Loss of lung volumes Normal radiograph in 2-8% of cases
13
Early changes UIP: peripheral, irregular linear opacities and normal lung volumes
Late features UIP: same patient 2 years later. Peripheral, irregular linear opacities and progressive loss of lung volume Images from McAdams et al., 1996
14
Late features UIP showing bilateral, coarse, reticular opacities with architectural distortion, volume loss and honeycombing Images from McAdams et al., 1996
15
CT features of UIP Reticular opacities with traction bronchiectasis
Honeycombing (96% of cases) Ground glass opacity (less extensive than reticular pattern) Architectural distortion reflecting fibrosis Distribution: basal/peripheral and patchy
16
CT features of UIP Left: left lower lobe shows peripheral ground-glass opacity and reticular patterns with traction bronchiectasis (arrow) Right: same patient two years later with progression of ground-glass to reticular pattern and honeycombing and progression of traction bronchiectasis Images from Lynch et al., 2005
17
Clinical Course in UIP Gradual deterioration, with possible periods of rapid decline Mean survival is years from time of diagnosis As UIP is predominantly a fibrotic condition, does not typically respond to steroid treatment
18
Non-specific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP)
Second most frequently diagnosed IIP more favorable prognosis than IPF/UIP ATS/ERS guidelines stress that a finding of an NSIP pattern on biopsy should “prompt the clinician to redouble efforts to find potential causes” (collagen vascular disease, exposures)
19
Clinical findings in NSIP
Mean age of onset is 40-50 No sexual predominance No association with cigarette smoking Gradual onset, some patients may have subacute course The median duration of symptoms before diagnosis is 6-31 mo in different series Symptoms: progressive SOB, cough, fatigue Half present with history of weight loss Physical Exam: crackles at lung bases Lung function tests: restrictive pattern with decreased DLCO
20
Histology of NSIP Because features are “non-specific”, histology is difficult to define Spatially homogenous alveolar wall thickening Temporal homogenous pattern Two main types: 1. Fibrotic: dense or loose interstitial fibrosis lacking temporal heterogeneity or patchy features 2. Cellular: Mild-moderate interstitial chronic inflammation Type II pneumocyte hyperplasia in areas of inflammation
21
Fibrotic NSIP NSIP with fibrosing pattern. Alveolar walls (arrows) show thickening caused by fibrosis. No fibroblastic foci are present. Image from Lynch et al., 2005
22
Cellular NSIP Photomicrograph showing NSIP with cellular pattern. Alveolar walls (arrows) are infiltrated by a chronic inflammatory infiltrate. Image from Lynch et al., 2005
23
Fibrotic vs. Cellular NSIP
Main importance is prognostic. Patients with predominant fibrosis have a poorer prognosis than those with cellular NSIP Figure below shows survival curves for patients with UIP, fibrotic NSIP (FNSIP) and Cellular NSIP (CNSIP). Those with CNSIP are shown to have the best survival. Figure from Lynch et al., 2005
24
Radiographic Features of NSIP
Irregular linear opacities Air space consolidation Bilateral and basilar pattern Radiograph normal in 14% of cases
25
Radiographic features of NSIP
Basilar opacities and normal lung volumes Image from McAdams et al., 1996
26
CT features of NSIP Scattered ground glass opacities
Basal predominance Consolidation uncommon and honeycombing rare Irregular linear opacities Fibrosis (lobar volume loss, reticular pattern, and/or traction bronchiectasis)
27
CT features of NSIP Top: Fibrotic NSIP. Ground glass opacity with traction bronchiectasis (arrows) Arrowhead indicating posterior displacement of left major fissure denoting volume loss Bottom: Cellular NSIP. Ground glass opacity with reticular pattern. Images from Lynch et al., 2005
28
Clinical Course of NSIP
Significantly better prognosis than UIP Evidence for corticosteroid efficacy is from retrospective reviews of observational studies. (25-30% of patients improved)* Relapse may occur *Collard et al., 2003
29
Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia (COP) (IIP formerly known as BOOP)
Third most common IIP Although process is primarily intraalveolar, it is included with IIP’s because of its idiopathic nature and because its appearance may overlap with other IIP’s
30
Organizing Pneumonia: (COP or BOOP)
Histology: Organizing pneumonia-intraluminal organization in distal air spaces Patchy distribution Preservation of lung architecture Uniform temporal appearance Mild chronic interstitial inflammation Edematous granulation-type tissue within airspaces: bronchioles and alveolar ducts and alveoli
31
Clinical findings in COP
Cough and shortness of breath Relatively short duration of symptoms (1-6 months) Patients often diagnosed first with pneumonia but fail to respond to antibiotics as not infectious etiology Physical exam: PFT’s: restrictive pattern equal sex distribution but nonsmokers outnumber smokers by 2:1. Mean age of onset is 55 yr Continuing weight loss, sweats, chills, intermittent fever, and myalgia are common. Localized or more widespread crackles are frequently present,
32
Histology of COP Patchy areas of consolidation
Polypoid plugs of loose organizing connective tissue Architecture of lung is preserved All the connective tissue is the same age Mild to moderate inflammation
33
COP histology From left to right:
low-power photomicrograph shows scattered areas of organizing pneumonia. Fibroblast plugs are identified as pale, round structures (arrows) High power photomicrograph shows fibroblast plug in small brochiole High power photomicrograph shows fibroblast plugs streaming from one alveolus to another gross specimen showing branching fibroblast plugs (arrowheads) Images from McAdams et al., 1996
34
Radiographic features of COP
Bilateral or unilateral areas of consolidation Patchy distribution, but in minority of cases may be confined to the subpleural region Small nodular opacities are seen in 10–50% of cases. Lung volumes are normal in up to 75% of cases
35
Radiographic Features in COP
Multifocal, bilateral, basilar consolidations Bilateral multifocal consolidations Images from McAdams et al, 1996
36
CT features of COP Consolidation present in 90% of patients
Lower lung zones frequently involved Air bronchograms present with consolidation Mild bronchial dilatation in areas of consolidation
37
CT features in COP Bilateral pulmonary consolidation with subpleural and perbronchovascular predominance and right pleural effusion Images from Lynch et al., 2005
38
Clinical Course (COP) Majority of patients recover completely with oral corticosteroids Relapse common with steroid taper and/or cessation
39
Acute Interstitial Pneumonia (AIP)
Rapidly evolving lesion (days-weeks) Histological findings of diffuse alveolar damage. Therefore, diagnosis of AIP should only be considered after the other causes of DAD (sepsis, shock, etc.) are ruled out.
40
Clinical Findings in AIP
Patients often have prior illness suggestive of viral URI Constitutional symptoms: myalgias, arthralgias, fever, chills, malaise Severe dyspnea on exertion developing over days Median time from first symptom to presentation is 3 weeks Hypoxemia progressing rapidly to respiratory failure Mean age of 50 No sex predominance No association with smoking Physical exam: diffuse crackles Lung function tests: restrictive pattern Mechanical ventilation is usually required The majority of patients fulfill the diagnostic clinical criteria for ARDS
41
Histology of AIP Histology: Diffuse alveolar damage
Acute phase: Edema and hyaline membranes Organizing phase: Organizing alveolar septal fibrosis and pneumocyte hyperplasia Uniform temporal appearance
42
Histology of AIP Left to right
High power photomicrograph demonstrating interstitial widening by edema and inflammatory cells. Hyaline membrane formation also apparent. High power photomicrograph shows organization of the intraalveolar exudate and immature collagen deposition Images from Lynch et al., 2005
43
Radiographic features of AIP
Diffuse bilateral opacities Left: Initial radiograph shows bilateral and basilar consolidation Right: Two weeks later with progressive, diffuse consolidation. Images from McAdams et al., 1996
44
CT features of AIP Early exudation phase: Organizing stage:
Ground glass opacity-bilateral and patchy Consolidation also evident Organizing stage: Distortion of bronchovascular bundles Traction bronchiectasis Although CT findings in AIP and ARDS overlap, patients with AIP are more likely to have symmetric lower lobe distribution and a greater prevelance of honeycombing
45
CT features of AIP Diffuse consolidation and air bronchograms
Image from McAdams et al., 1996
46
Clinical Course AIP No proven treatment, corticosteroids often used
Mortality rates high (>50%) Those patients who recover may experience recurrence and/or chronic, progressive lung disease
47
Respiratory Bronchiolitis Interstitial Disease (RB-ILD)
Lesion found in cigarette smokers Characterized by pigmented macrophages in respiratory bronchioles Rarely symptomatic, minor airway dysfunction RB-ILD is defined as the combination of clinically significant pulmonary symptoms, abnormal pulmonary function and imaging abnormalities associated with the pathologic lesion of respiratory bronchiolitis
48
Clinical Findings in RB-ILD
Heavy smokers with average exposure of more than 30 pack-years Gradual onset 40-50 years of age Generally mild symptoms of sob and cough (new or changed) Some patients may present with significant dyspnea and hypoxemia Male to female ratio of 2:1
49
Histology: RB-ILD Histology:
Bronchiolocentric alveolar macrophage accumulation Mild bronchiolar/peribronchiolar fibrosis and chronic inflammation Macrophages with “dusty-brown” appearance Figure below: faintly pigmented alveolar macrophages (arrows) fill the lumen of respiratory bronchiole. Mild thickening of respiratory bronchiole wall. Image from Lynch et al., 1996
50
Radiographic Features of RB-ILD
Wall thickening of central or peripheral bronchi (75% of patients) Ground glass opacity (60% of patients) Normal radiograph (14%) Centrilobular emphysema also commonly seen as patients are heavy smokers
51
Radiographic features of RB-ILD
Linear opacities in lung bases with atelectasis in right lower lung Image from McAdams et al., 1996
52
CT features of RB-ILD Centrilobular nodules Patchy ground glass
Thickening of central and peripheral airways Upper lobe centrilobular emphysema Air trapping **CT findings in RB-ILD are similar to those seen in other, asymptommatic smokers. However, findings in patients with RB-ILD are usually more extensive
53
CT features in RB-ILD RB-ILD in 41 year old with 30 pack-year smoking history. Widespread gound-glass opacification, with some poorly defined centrilobular nodules (arrowheads) Image from Lynch et al., 2005
54
Clinical Course RB-ILD
Many patients improve after cessation of smoking No reports of progression to dense pulmonary fibrosis
55
Desquamative Interstitial Pneumonia (DIP)
Considered to be most likely part of a spectrum of RB-ILD as is associated with smoking and has similar pathology Very rare Named desquamative because the primary finding on histology was thought to be desquamation of epithelial cells. Now recognized as intra-alveolar macrophages
56
Clinical findings in DIP
Uncommon Male to female ratio of 2:1 Progressive dyspnea, dry cough May progress to respiratory failure Digital clubbing (40%)
57
Histology of DIP Histology: Uniform involvement of lung parenchyma
Accumulation of alveolar macrophages Mild-moderate fibrotic thickening of alveolar septa Mild interstitial chronic inflammation Modest infiltrate including lymphocytes, plasma cells Feature distinguishing DIP from RB is that DIP affects the lung in a uniform diffuse manner and lacks the bronchiolocentric distribution seen in RB.
58
Histology of DIP Photomicrograph shows DIP pattern. Alveolar spaces show diffuse alveolar macrophage accumulation and mild interstitial thickening caused by fibrous connective tissue (arrows) Image from Lynch et al., 2005
59
Radiographic features of DIP
Normal in 3-22% of biopsy-proven cases Patchy ground glass opacification Lower zone/peripheral predominance Figure: bilateral, basilar consolidations with no honeycombing or volume loss Image from McAdams et al., 1996
60
CT features of DIP Ground glass opacification
Lower zone distribution (73%), peripheral (59%) Irregular linear opacities and reticular pattern are frequent (59%), usually seen at lung bases Honeycombing (33%) is peripheral and limited
61
CT features of DIP Basal ground glass opacification with multiple peribronchovascular cysts (arrows) Image from Lynch et al., 2005
62
Clinical Course of DIP The prognosis of DIP is generally good.
Most patients improve with smoking cessation and corticosteroids Overall survival is about 70% after 10 yr
63
Lymphoid Interstital Pneumonia (LIP)
Very rare condition regarded as a histologic variant of diffuse pulmonary lymphoid hyperplasia Because of its’ rarity, important to do thorough investigation for collagen vascular disease and immunodeficiency
64
Clinical features of LIP
Poorly defined clinical presentation More common in women Usually diagnosed in fifth decade Gradual onset over 3 years Symptoms include SOB, fever, weight loss Physical exam: crackles Monoclonal increase in IgG or IgM (75%)
65
Histology of LIP Histology Diffuse interstitial infiltration
Alveolar septal distribution Infiltrates mostly t-cells, plasma cells and macrophages Lymphoid hyperplasia frequent Photomicrograph shows LIP. Alveolar walls (arrows) are markedly infiltrated by lymphocytes and plasma cells. Image from Lynch et al., 2005
66
Radiographic features of LIP
Two radiographic patterns: Basilar with alveolar component Diffuse with honeycombing
67
CT features of LIP Dominant finding: ground glass opacity
Perivascular cysts or perivascular honeycombing Reticular abnormality (50%) lung nodules Widespread consolidation may occur Diffuse ground glass opacification and multiple lung cysts Image from Lynch et al., 2005
68
Clinical Course of LIP Corticosteroids used for treatment: 2/3 of patients respond to therapy either with improvement or no progression of disease 1/3 of patients progress to diffuse fibrosis
69
Summary of IIP Most important distinction is between UIP and other IIP’s as prognosis is greatly different Start with thorough history and physical exam looking for possible etiologies of parenchymal lung disease before labeling “idiopathic” Surgical lung biopsy not necessary if confident diagnosis of UIP possible with HRCT Corticosteroids not useful in UIP as it is a fibrotic condition
70
References American Thoracic Society, European Respiratory society Consensus Classification of the Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 2002; 165: Lynch, D., Travis, W., Muller, N., Galvin, J., Hansell, D., Grenier, P., King, T. Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias: CT features. Radiology 2005; 236:10-21 Collard, H., King, T. Demystifying idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. Archives of Internal Medicine 2003; 163:17-29 McAdams, H., Rosado-de-Christenson, M., Wehunt, W., Fishback, N. The alphabet soup revisited: the chronic interstitial pneumonias in the 1990’s. Radiographics 1996; 16: MacDonald, S., Rubens, M., Hansell, D., Copley, S., Desai, S., M. du Bois, R., Nicholson, A., Colby, T., Wells, A. Non-specific interstitial pneumonia and usual interstitial pneumonia: comparative appearances and diagnostic accuracy of thin-section CT. Radiology 2001; 221: Colby, T. Pathological approach to idiopathic interstitial pneumonias: useful points for clinicians. Breathe 2004; 1:43-49. UpToDate
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.