Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis
Desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP) is characterized by the accumulation of numerous pigmented macrophages within most of the distal airspace of the lung and, sometimes, the presence of giant cells.
Causes
The common causes of DIP are:
- tobacco smoking
- rheumatoid arthritis
- use of sirolimus, nitrofurantoin, sulfasalazine and tocainide, cytomegalovirus, aspergillus exposure,
- hepatitis C
- surfactant dysfunction in children
- myeloid neoplasms
- diesel fumes and marijuana smoking
- Exposure to inorganic dusts and fumes.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of DIP are:
- Dyspnoea
- Cough
- Sputum
- Weight loss
- Haemoptysis
- Chest pain
- Asymptomatic
- Physical signs
- Cyanosis
- Crackles
- Clubbing
Diagnosis
People with Desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP) disease usually go to the doctor because of shortness of breath or a cough. Your doctor will probably use imaging tests of your lungs to find out the problem.
- Chest X-ray: A simple chest X-ray is the first test for most people with a breathing problem. Chest X-rays in people with interstitial lung disease may show fine lines in the lungs.
- CT scan: A CT scan takes multiple X-rays of the chest, and a computer creates detailed images of the lungs and surrounding structures. These tests can usually find interstitial lung disease.
- High-resolution CT scan: If your doctor thinks you have an interstitial lung disease, certain CT scan settings can get better-quality images of your interstitium. This can help your doctor diagnose you.
- Lung function test: You sit in a sealed plastic booth and breathe through a tube to measure your total lung capacity, which might be reduced if you have ILD. You may also be less able to transfer oxygen from your lungs into your blood.
- Lung biopsy: Looking at lung tissue under a microscope is often the only way for a doctor to know which type of interstitial lung disease you have. Lung tissue is collected in a procedure called a lung biopsy, which can be done several ways:
- Bronchoscopy: Your doctor will run a tube called an endoscope through your mouth or nose and into your airways. Tiny tools on the endoscope can take a sample of lung tissue.
- Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS): Your doctor will make small cuts to insert tools that take samples from multiple areas of lung tissue.
- Open lung biopsy (thoracotomy): In some cases, you might need traditional surgery with a large incision in the chest to get a lung biopsy.
General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease (diagnostic codes 6825 through 6833):
