Desquamative Interstitial Pneumonia

OVERVIEW

Desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP) is an idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) common in smokers and characterized by the accumulation of pigmented macrophages^1,2
Prognosis is generally good with overall survival of at least 70% after 10 years^3,4
- Follow-up HRCTs of patients receiving treatment typically show partial or complete resolution of areas of ground glass opacification³
- Infrequently, progression to a reticular pattern on HRCT is observed^3,4

Primarily affects smokers in their 50s and 60s³
More common in men than women³
In rare cases, DIP may occur in nonsmokers who have had exposure to environmental inhalation exposures^3,1,5
- Inorganic particles
- Dust
- Nylon filaments

DIP makes up approximately 5% of IIPs.⁶