Churg-Strauss syndrome versus chronic eosinophilic pneumonia on high-resolution computed tomographic findings.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the high-resolution computed tomographic findings between Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) and chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 16 patients with CSS and 34 patients with CEP.

RESULTS

Twelve (35%) of the 34 patients with CEP had a history of asthma. Although the subpleural distribution of ground-glass opacities (GGOs) and consolidation was common both in CSS and CEP, the midzone distribution was more frequent in CSS (44%) than in CEP (12%). Centrilobular nodules within GGOs were significantly more frequent in CSS (56%) than in CEP (18%). In contrast, traction bronchiectasis associated with volume loss was demonstrated more frequently in CEP (74%) than in CSS (25%).

CONCLUSIONS

On high-resolution computed tomography, the presence of the midzone distribution and nodules within GGOs without traction bronchiectasis suggests CSS rather than CEP.