[Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia in the province of Soria (1995-2004). A review of literature].

INTRODUCTION

Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (NEC) is a rare disease that has a subacute or chronic course. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, weight loss and fever. The eosinophilia is characteristic. Radiologically, peripheral alveolar infiltrates with predominance in the upper lobes are found. Treatment is based on corticosteroids for 6-8 months.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis on the incident cases of NEC in the health care area of Soria during the period of 1995 to 2004, considering their clinical features, diagnosis and treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 5 cases of NEC were diagnosed in our center. Average age of patients was 57 years. Every case showed symptoms of the disease for months before diagnosis, the most frequent being fever, cough and fatigue. Peripheral eosinophilia was higher than 6% in all the cases. Recurrences occurred in two patients.

CONCLUSIONS

NEC is a rare disease that requires the finding of either peripheral or pulmonary eosinophilia for its diagnosis. A typical symptom with alveolar infiltrates observed on a chest X-ray and peripheral eosinophilia suggests a NEC diagnosis, although this must be confirmed by the bronchoalveolar lavage (LBA) a lung biopsy may be necessary. Treatment must be maintained for at least 6 months. Relapses are frequent.