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Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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[What causes nonspecific interstitial pneumonia?
Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia is probably a separate nosological form. Its frequency and prevalence are not known, but it probably occupies the second most frequent place among all forms of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (accounting for 14 to 36% of the cases described). Most cases are registered in patients with systemic connective tissue diseases, drug-induced IBLARB or chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. In some cases, the etiology of the disease remains unknown.
Symptoms of nonspecific interstitial pneumonia
Symptoms of nonspecific interstitial pneumonia are similar to those in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Most patients have ages from 40 to 60 years. Cough and shortness of breath are present for many months and years.
Diagnosis of nonspecific interstitial pneumonia
When chest radiography is detected, mainly, the enhancement of the pulmonary pattern in the lower sections. There may also be bilateral infiltrates. In CTWR, bilateral darkening is detected by the type of frosted glass, bilateral foci of consolidation, linear structures of irregular shape and bronchial dilatation. Darkening by the type of frosted glass is the prevailing find in most cases and the only sign of the disease in about a third of cases.
The main feature of histological changes in nonspecific interstitial pneumonia is the development of homogeneous inflammation and fibrosis, which is the opposite of the heterogeneity of inflammatory foci with conventional interstitial pneumonia. The lesions are usually identical, but the process can be focal, with separate areas of the intact lung. Cellularity is rare.
Treatment of nonspecific interstitial pneumonia
Most patients have a good prognosis after treatment with glucocorticoids.
What is the prognosis of nonspecific interstitial pneumonia?
Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia has an unfavorable prognosis. There may be relapses. In some patients, the disease progresses; in this case, the average life expectancy is 5 to 10 years after diagnosis. The approximate ten-year lethality is less than 15-20%.