Chronic diffuse idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis

摘要: Summary A further 17 patients suffering from fibrosing alveolitis are presented, all of whom were diagnosed on clinical and radiological histological grounds. The cause the condition is discussed, reasons advanced for carrying out lung biopsy when suspected progressive fibrosis appears to be initiated by macrophages, but only those which contain phagocytosed fibrin. Histology will not confirm diagnosis indicate stage development severity disease, may help in deciding whether corticosteroid therapy would benefit. All cases discussed have been followed up: 5 died, remainder more or less disabled.