Tadahisa Daimon, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Takeshi Johkoh MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hiromitsu Sumikawa MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Osamu Honda MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Masahiro Yanagawa MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Atsuo Inoue, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Naoki Mihara MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Noriyuki Tomiyama MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To determine thin-section computed tomography (CT) characteristics of acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP).

Thin-section CT scans of 29 patients (14 male, 15 females; mean age, 26±15 years; age range, 15-72 years) with AEP were included in this retrospective study. The clinical diagnosis of AEP was established by Allen’s criteria. Each thin-section CT was reviewed by two independent observers. The interobserver agreement for all abnormalities on CT images was analyzed with the κ statistic.

Interobserver agreement for all abnormalities on CT was moderate to excellent (κ=0.41–1.0). Bilateral areas with ground-glass attenuation were observed on thin-section CT in all patients. Areas of airspace consolidation were present in 16 (55%) of 29 patients. Poorly defined centrilobular nodules were present in 9 patients (31%). Interlobular septal thickening was present in 26 patients (90%). Thickening of bronchovascular bundles was present in 19 patients (66%). Pleural effusions were present in 23 patients (79%) (bilateral=22, right side=1, left side=0). The predominant overall anatomic distribution was central in only 2 (7%) of 29 patients, peripheral in 9 patients (31%), and random in 18 patients (62%). The predominant overall zonal predominance was upper in 4 patients (14%), lower in 8 patients (28%), and random in 17 patients (58%).

CT findings of AEP consisted mainly of bilateral areas of ground-glass attenuation, interlobular septal thickening, thickening of bronchovascular bundles, and the presence of a pleural effusion without cardiomegaly. The most common overall anatomic distribution and zonal predominance of the abnormal CT findings were random.

The characteristic CT findings of this study are useful to make a diagnosis of AEP and avoid misdiagnosing of other differential diseases.

Daimon, T, Johkoh, T, Sumikawa, H, Honda, O, Yanagawa, M, Inoue, A, Mihara, N, Tomiyama, N, et al, , et al, , Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia: Thin-Section CT Findings in 29 Patients.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5001197.html