Desquamative Interstitial Pneumonia in Children

Abstract

Desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP) is a variant of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, but characteristically has massive desquamation and proliferation of alveolar cells into the distal air spaces without necrosis of the tissue. The use of corticosteroids is the accepted choice of treatment. DIP seems to be more benign than the usual interstitial pneumonia. The cases of two children are presented, and in both, the features were similar to those found in adults.