[Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia: CT features and the effect of glucocorticoids].

Objective: To study the CT manifestations of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) after glucocorticoid treatment.

Methods: The diagnosis of COP was made based on clinical and radiological features and confirmed by lung biopsy and pathological examination in 21 cases from 2001 to 2005. CT follow-up was carried out 5 - 75 days following therapy. The follow-up lasted 3 - 43 months. All data were analyzed and relevant literatures were reviewed.

Results: There were 2 male an 19 female patients with ages of 39 - 74 years. CT scans revealed multiple patchy shadows or patchy air-space consolidations, often by a predominantly subpleural and/or basal distribution. Ground-glass opacities and bronchiectasis were common findings. Migratory lesions were found in some patients. Glucocorticoid treatment resulted in significant improvement in most cases. Cure was achieved in 4 cases, significant improvement in 16, and failure in 1 case. Recurrence was found in 2 cases.

Conclusions: The diagnosis of COP requires combination of clinical, CT and pathological manifestations. The effect of glucocorticoid therapy can be evaluated by repeated CT scanning.