Background: Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is a rare pulmonary condition, characterized by diffuse proliferation of neuroendocrine cells in the respiratory epithelium. DIPNECH lesions are less than 5 mm in size and are limited to the basement membrane with no invasion. There is limited information regarding epidemiology, natural history of disease progression, or the management of this rare entity. We present the experience of a center with extensive expertise in neuroendocrine disease.
Methods: A cohort of patients (N = 13) with DIPNECH treated and followed at our institution was identified. We describe the our approach to their care, our disease management and also provide a review of DIPNECH pathophysiology.
Results: Our patient cohort consisted of twelve females and one male with a mean age of 63 years at the time of diagnosis. Dyspnea on exertion and dry cough were the most common presenting symptoms. Two patients were under surveillance without treatment; three patients were treated with a short-acting somatostatin analog; three patients were treated with azithromycin alone; four were treated with a combination of long-acting monthly somatostatin analogs and azithromycin; one patient received a combination of long-acting somatostatin analog and everolimus. Five patients had concomitant bronchial carcinoids.
Conclusions: DIPNECH is a rare pathology that can profoundly affect a patient's quality of life. Paroxysmal coughing episodes can be difficult to treat. Our limited single center experience shows encouraging response to use of somatostatin analogs, azithromycin, and everolimus in the management of debilitating DIPNECH associated symptoms.
Keywords: Azithromycin; DIPNECH; Everolimus; Octreotide.