Cryptogenic organizing pneumonitis

Template:DiseaseDisorder infobox Template:Cryptogenic organizing pneumonitis Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Synonyms and keywords: Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia; BOOP; COP

Diagnosis

Almost 75% of people have symptoms for less than two months before seeking medical attention. A flu-like illness, with a cough, fever, a feeling of illness (malaise), fatigue, and weight loss heralds the onset in about 40% of patients. Doctors do not find any specific abnormalities on routine laboratory tests or on a physical examination, except for the frequent presence of crackling sounds (called Velcro crackles, they are "drier" and higher pitched than traditional rales) on auscultation. Pulmonary function tests usually show that the amount of air the lungs can hold is below normal. Hypoxemia at rest which is exacerbated with exercise may be present.

The chest x-ray is distinctive with features that appear similar to an extensive pneumonia, with both lungs showing widespread white patches. The white patches may seem to migrate from one area of the lung to another as the disease persists or progresses. Computed Tomography (CT) may be used to confirm the diagnosis. Bronchoscopic lung biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. In some patients, additional tissue may be required and may be obtained surgically.

References

The Merck Manual of Medical Information - Online Edition

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