Common variable hypogammaglobulinemia with T-cell nodular lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis and B-cell nodular lymphoid hyperplasia: different lymphocyte populations with a similar response to prednisone therapy

J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1982 Oct;70(4):299-305. doi: 10.1016/0091-6749(82)90066-5.

Abstract

Intestinal lymphoid hyperplasia and recurrent pulmonary infections by pyogenic bacteria are well-recognized accompaniments of common variable (late onset) hypogammaglobulinemia. A 35-yr-old woman with this illness had progressive pulmonary insufficiency caused by nodular lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis, rather than by infectious lung damage, and intestinal lymphoid nodular hyperplasia. B cells were abundant in the intestinal nodules but absent in the pulmonary nodules by immunoperoxidase staining. Pulmonary lymphocytes isolated in single-cell suspension from the biopsy were 0.5% B cells and 82% T cells. Prednisone therapy improved pulmonary function and decreased the intestinal lymphoid nodules. Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis should be considered in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia and restrictive lung disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Agammaglobulinemia / complications*
  • Agammaglobulinemia / drug therapy
  • Agammaglobulinemia / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia / drug therapy
  • Hyperplasia / immunology
  • Lung / immunology
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lymph Nodes / immunology
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use*
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / complications*
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / drug therapy
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / immunology
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Rectum / immunology
  • Rectum / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes*

Substances

  • Prednisone