Complete resolution of roentgenographic changes in a patient with pulmonary histiocytosis X

Chest. 1990 Sep;98(3):765-7. doi: 10.1378/chest.98.3.765.

Abstract

A smoker presented with pleuritic chest pain and was found to have reticulonodular interstitial opacities on chest x-ray film. Open lung biopsy revealed changes consistent with histiocytosis X, a disease seen almost exclusively in smokers. Smoking cessation was recommended, and the patient complied. A chest x-ray film taken nearly three years later revealed complete resolution of the radiographic abnormalities. It is proposed that smoking cessation may be related to the improvement in this patient's chest x-ray film findings, and that it should be recommended for all patients with pulmonary histiocytosis X.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / diagnostic imaging*
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / etiology
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Diseases / etiology
  • Lung Diseases / pathology
  • Radiography
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Smoking / adverse effects