PULMONARY EOSINOPHILIC GRANULOMA - ITS NATURAL HISTORY AND PROGNOSIS

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Abstract
Five patients with pulmonary eosinophilic granuloma are described. In 4, the disease appeared to be limited to the lungs; and, in one, there was also involvement of the right pubic ramus. Follow-up observations on 3 additional and previously reported cases are presented. The clinical course of the disease in these patients tends to confirm the concept that the active phase of pulmonary eosinophilic granuloma is usually self limited and that the disorder carries a predominantly favorable prognosis. However, in some cases extensive pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema may occur, with resulting impair ment in pulmonary function of an intense degree. There is reason to believe that eosinophilic granuloma of the lungs is much more common than is generally supposed and that this condition is worthy of consideration in all patients with diffuse, indeterminate pulmonary lesions. The natural history of the disease is discussed briefly and some thoughts are expressed regarding its etiology. According to present evidence, some type of hypersensitivity state appears to offer the best explanation for the tissue changes which characterize this disorder.

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