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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2006; 27(6): 652-658
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-957336
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia

Kevin R. Flaherty1 , Fernando J. Martinez1
  • 1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Publication History

Publication Date:
29 December 2006 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) describes a histopathologic pattern that can be seen in patients with immunodeficiency, drug or environmental exposures, and connective tissue diseases. The clinical diagnosis of NSIP, however, should be reserved for idiopathic cases in which no causative factor is identified. Patients typically present with cough, dyspnea, restrictive pulmonary physiology with decreased gas transfer, and ground-glass infiltrates on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Response to immunosuppressive therapy is often successful; however, patients with progressive disease are at increased risk of subsequent mortality and should be considered for alternative treatment strategies such as lung transplantation.

KEYWORDS

Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia - pulmonary fibrosis

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Kevin R FlahertyM.D. M.S. 

Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center

3916 Taubman Center, Box 0360, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0360

Email: flaherty@umich.edu