A Unique Case of Cryptogenic Cicatricial Organizing Pneumonia

McLaughlin J1*, Raghavendra P2, Jackson P1, Leila RG3, Sime P1, and Perelas A1

1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, USA
2Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, USA
3Department of Radiology, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, USA

^*Correspondance to: Jessica McLaughlin 

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Abstract:

Organizing Pneumonia (OP) is an inflammatory reaction within the airways, which is classified as cryptogenic or secondary to a known insult. Traditionally this inflammation is responsive to steroid therapy with improvements in patient’s symptoms, radiographic findings, and quality of life. However, relapse of the disease is common when steroid doses are reduced or stopped. In the last six years, there has been a new histological pattern discovered, cicatricial organizing pnemonia (CiOP). Histologically, there is scarred parenchyma and dense intraluminal collagen present within the airways, which is not present in OP. It is unclear why this architectural destruction occurs, and unfortunately to date, seems to be less steroid responsive when compared to OP. The prognosis of CiOP is unknown. We highlight this case to bring awareness to a new histologic variant of organizing pneumonia, where there is limited case series to direct potential therapies. There is growing concern that this variant portrays a worse prognosis than OP, although this is not yet proven in clinical studies. Additional studies are warranted for more information for both providers and patients.

Keywords:

Cicatricial organizing pneumonia; Fibrosing interstitial pneumonia; Organizing pneumonia

Cite the Article:

McLaughlin J, Perelas A, Raghavendra P, Jackson P, Gharai LR, Sime P. A Unique Case of Cryptogenic Cicatricial Organizing Pneumonia. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2023; 8: 2436..