A Case of Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonia in Childhood

Interstitial lung disease refers to a group of pulmonary disorders characterized by inflammation of the interstitium, derangements and loss of alveolar capillary units leading to disruption of alveolar gas exchange, which induces symptoms of restrictive lung disease. Cases of interstitial pneumonia in children are uncommon and mostly have unknown causes. We have experienced an 8-year old boy who had symptoms of cyanosis, dry cough, dyspnea and abrupt weight loss. He had not been exposed to organic dusts, allergens or any other systemic disease infections. Chest radiology showed diffuse ground glass opacity in both lung fields. High resolution computed tomography(HRCT) showed multiple small patchy areas of consolidation with an underlying ground glass appearance in both lungs. The pathologic findings of lung biopsy tissue showed patchy areas of interstitial fibrosis, alveolar obliteration and nodular fibrotic areas, strongly suggesting interstitial pneumonia. No specific finding of viral inclusion or any other evidence of infection was found under electromicroscopy. We used peak flow meters to compare functional improvement. Forced expiratory volume in one second ($FEV_1$) was decreased to 25 percent of predicted value. The boy was given treatment with prednisone and showed improvements in HRCT findings after two months. He was able to tolerate easy exercise in school and showed clinical improvements after one year of follow up.

소아 특발성 간질성 폐렴 1례

저자들은 내원 1개월 전부터 시작된 잦은 마른기침, 운동 시 호흡곤란, 8 kg의 급속한 체중 감소가 주 증상인 8세 남아에서 특발성 간질성 폐렴으로 진단하고, 경구용 프레드니손으로 치료한 후 1년 이상 추적 관찰하여 현재 학교에서 가벼운 체육활동을 할 수 있을 정도의 임상적 호전을 보인 1례를 경험하였기에 문헌 고찰과 함께 보고하는 바이다.