Lipoid pneumonia: spectrum of clinical and radiologic manifestations

Abstract

Objective: Lipoid pneumonia results from accumulation of lipids in the alveoli and can be either exogenous or endogenous in cause based on the source of the lipid. Exogenous lipoid pneumonia is caused by inhalation or aspiration of animal fat or vegetable or mineral oil. Endogenous lipoid pneumonia is usually associated with bronchial obstruction. The purpose of this article is to review the pathogenesis and clinical and radiologic manifestations of exogenous and endogenous lipoid pneumonia.

Conclusion: The ability to recognize the radiologic manifestations of lipoid pneumonia is important because, in the appropriate clinical setting, these findings can be diagnostic.