An exceptional case of giant cell interstitial pneumonia with multi-organ involvement and review of the literature
Publication date: Available online 15 July 2019Source: Respiratory Medicine Case ReportsAuthor(s): Yanqiu Wei, Peng Chen, Huihui Yue, Gaohong Sheng, Jiaojiao Chu, Hui-Lan ZhangAbstractGiant cell interstitial pneumonia (GIP) is an exceedingly rare lung disease, usually due to occupational exposure to hard-metal compounds (tungsten, carbide, cobalt). Diagnosis of GIP is mainly based on the presence of multinucleated giant cell (MNGC) in alveolar spaces by histologic examination. Here, we present a case of GIP with multi-organ involvement. A 63-year-old man was diagnosed with tuberculosis firstly, but conventional treatment did not relieve the symptoms. In addition, the patient had a contact history with copper for more than 40 years, and the lesions in this patient invaded into lymph node of hilus pulmonis and spread from the primary lung lesion through the blood stream to other organs. And in previous reported cases, the lesions were restricted to the lungs. Finally, numerous prominent multi-nucleated giant cells were noticed by histological examination, the patient eventually diagnosed with GIP. We believe this special case of GIP would provide new perspectives and knowledge of GIP because of the multiorgan involvement.
Source: Respiratory Medicine Case Reports - Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research