Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia, 25 years: a variety of causes, but what are the treatment options?

Expert Rev Respir Med. 2011 Jun;5(3):353-61. doi: 10.1586/ers.11.19.

Abstract

Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia is an inflammatory lung disease involving the distal bronchioles, respiratory bronchioles, bronchiolar ducts and alveoli. Its cause is generally unknown, but there are several known causes and associated systemic diseases. The clinical features include cough, shortness of breath and bilateral crackles. The vital capacity is slightly decreased, and the diffusing capacity is moderately to severely decreased. The high-resolution chest CT scan shows bilateral ground-glass opacities with air bronchograms and triangular, pleura-based opacities. Corticosteroid therapy is the best treatment option. The outcome of patients suffering from bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia is good, as up to 80% of individuals will be cured.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia / diagnosis
  • Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia / drug therapy*
  • Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia / etiology
  • Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Lung / drug effects*
  • Lung / physiopathology
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents