Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia

[Dianne]

Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP) is lymphocytic infiltration of the alveolar interstitium and air spaces. The cause is unknown. Symptoms and signs are cough, progressive dyspnea, and crackles. Diagnosis is based on history, physical examination, imaging tests, and lung biopsy. Treatment is with corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs, or both, although efficacy is unknown. Five-year survival is 50 to 66%.
Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia is a rare idiopathic interstitial pneumonia characterized by infiltration of alveoli and alveolar septa with small lymphocytes and varying numbers of plasma cells. Non-necrotizing, poorly formed granulomas may be present but are usually rare and inconspicuous.
LIP is the most common cause of pulmonary disease after Pneumocystis infection in HIV-positive children and is the AIDS-defining illness in up to one half of HIV-positive children. LIP affects