A Smoker’s Cough, An Unusual Culprit

A 34-year-old smoker presents with dyspnea and cough. Explore a case of rare Interstitial Lung Disease diagnosed by lung biopsy. What’s the diagnosis?

Desquamative interstitial pneumonia


A 34-year-old woman with tobacco use disorder was referred to the pulmonary clinic for worsening dyspnea and dry cough. She had chronic hypoxemic respiratory failure of unknown cause, requiring supplemental oxygen. Computed tomography of the chest showed diffuse ground-glass opacities and areas of peripheral consolidation but no basilar reticulations or honeycombing. Bronchoalveolar lavage was not diagnostic, so surgical lung biopsy was performed. Histopathological analysis showed extensive alveolar filling with pigment-laden macrophages. What is the most likely diagnosis?

What is the most likely diagnosis?

Desquamative interstitial pneumonia
Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Lipoid pneumonia
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

Desquamative interstitial pneumonia, Dyspnea, Ground-glass opacities, Interstitial Lung Disease, Smoking

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