Case report: Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia with Acute-Like Presentation and Diagnostic Challenges
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By
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Zamfir, Alexandra-Simona
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Mihailovici, Adina Simona
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Mihai, Florin
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Zamfir, Carmen Lacramioara
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Bordeianu, Gabriela
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Ciuntu, Bogdan-Mihnea
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Brînză, Marcela
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Cernomaz, Andrei Tudor
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May 19, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Clinical Case Study: Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia Presenting with Acute Symptoms and Diagnostic Difficulties
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia (CEP) |
| Key Mechanisms | Characterized by pulmonary and peripheral blood eosinophilia; diagnosis of exclusion. |
| Target Population | Predominantly middle-aged women. |
| Care Setting | Clinical settings with diagnostic capabilities for pulmonary diseases. |
Key Highlights
- CEP is a rare eosinophilic lung disease.
- Diagnosis requires exclusion of secondary causes.
- Systemic corticosteroids are the standard therapy.
- Relapse is common after treatment tapering or withdrawal.
- Diagnostic complexity can arise from atypical presentations.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Based on clinical and imaging findings along with exclusion of secondary causes.
Management
- Oral methylprednisolone is administered, typically starting at 16 mg/day.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Follow-up HRCT to assess resolution of consolidations.
Risks
- Relapse of symptoms after corticosteroid withdrawal.
Patient & Prescribing Data
65-year-old female smoker with persistent cough, dyspnea, and chest pain.
Marked clinical and radiological improvement observed with corticosteroid treatment.
Clinical Best Practices
- Integrate clinical, imaging, microbiologic, and histopathological data for diagnosis.
- Consider atypical presentations in diagnosis.
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