DIFFUSE INTERSTITIAL FIBROSIS OF THE LUNGS

Abstract

The case is reported of a 44-yr.-old woman who had diffuse interstitial fibrosis of the lungs of the type described by Hamman and Rich. A review of the literature reveals reports of 13 additional instances. It is postulated that the disease is caused by a virus and that the particular pathologic features represent one form of tissue response to a disease which may be associated with more widespread involvement. Recovery may take place, but this cannot be proved since the diagnosis depends on a complete autopsy.