A clinical approach to diagnosis and treatment of lipoid pneumonia

Abstract

Lipoid pneumonia is a rare form of pneumonia caused by the accumulation of exogenous or endogenous lipid in the alveoli and host reaction to inhaled lipid particles; symptoms vary among patients from asymptomatic to acute respiratory distress. The diagnosis depends on the history of exposure to oil, characteristic imaging findings on CT scan of the chest (negative attenuation values within areas of consolidation), and lipid-laden macrophages in sputum or BAL. There is no standard treatment option for lipoid pneumonia; the best course of action is to identify the offending agent and discontinue exposure. Treating asymptomatic patients remains controversial, while treatment options for patients with severe disease may include (systemic corticosteroids surgical interventions).