CLINICAL ANALYSIS OF 30 CASES OF CRYPTOGENIC ORGANIZING PNEUMONIA

Introduction: We reviewed and analyzed the clinical manifestations, radiographic features, laboratory results, treatments, and outcomes for patients with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP). Materilas and methods: Thirty cases of COP confirmed by pathology between November 2007 and May, 2014 from two comprehensive hospitals in Shanghai and Huzhou were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical manifestations, radiographic features, laboratory results, treatments, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results: The mean age of COP patients was 55.2 +/- 15.2 years, and their main symptoms included cough, phlegm and fever. Patchy consolidation was the most common lesion, followed by mass/nodule. The leukocyte count was normal while the neutrophil percentage was increased in most patients. Platelet count, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were increased. Pulmonary function test results could be normal, restrictive, obstructive, or mixed pattern. The diagnosis of COP was mainly confirmed through computerized tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous needle lung biopsy. COP patients responded poorly to antibiotics but responded well to corticosteroid therapy. Conclusion: The clinical manifestations, radiological changes, and laboratory results from COP are nonspecific. CT guided percutaneous needle lung biopsy is the key for the diagnosis. Strengthening the recognition of COP would avoid the use of antibiotics.