[Acute eosinophilic pneumonia with diffuse fine nodular shadows]

Abstract

A 45-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of high fever, dry cough, and respiratory distress. Chest roentgenograms and computed tomograms showed diffuse fine nodular shadows without any other interstitial or alveolar infiltrates. An examination of transbronchial lung biopsy specimens disclosed infiltration of eosinophils and lymphocytes in alveolar walls and perivascular areas. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid revealed elevated total cell counts, mostly of eosinophils and lymphocytes. The patient was given a diagnosis of acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP), but his symptoms improved in a week without any medication. Although diffuse fine nodular shadows on x-ray films may sometimes be the only sign of AEP.