EOSINOPHILIC GRANULOMA OF THE LUNG

Abstract

Eosinophilic granuloma was originally described as a disease of bone and was thought to be limited to the skeletal system. However, it soon became apparent that the disorder was much more complex than at first supposed and actually involved many other tissues. The pulmonary manifestations of this disease were first recognized in 1944. A review of the world''s literature revealed that 39 patients with lesions of the lungs have since been reported. Of these cases, only 5 have had no evidence of involvement of extra-pulmonary sites. A sixth case of eosinophilic granuloma, limited to the lungs, is described by the authors. The relationship of this disorder to Hand-Schuller-Christian disease and Letterer-Siwe disease is discussed. Current concepts of the clinical picture, prognosis and therapy of eosinophilic granuloma are set forth. The authors'' case is the first to be treated with prednisone, apparently with favorable results. A further trial of this form of management is recommended.