cryptogenic pulmonary eosinophilia

Last reviewed 01/2018

In this condition pulmonary eosinophilia occurs with no identifiable cause.

Clinical features:

  • fever, weight loss, cough and breathlessness
  • patients usually non-atopic (but 10% have had previous asthma)

Investigations:

  • widespread, mainly peripheral pulmonary infiltrates
  • blood eosinophilia

Treatment:

  • oral steroids - treated usually maintained for up to 2 years