Löffler syndrome

Simple pulmonary eosinophilia (also known as Löffler syndrome) is a type of pulmonary eosinophilia that typically presents with transient radiographic infiltrates, minimal constitutional upset, and an elevated eosinophil count in peripheral blood.

Pathology

Etiology

The cause is not usually identified but a number of allergens have been linked to the syndrome:

• parasites (e.g. Ascaris spp., Strongyloides spp., Ancylostoma spp.)
• drugs (e.g. aspirin, penicillin)

Radiographic features 

Plain radiograph/CT

There is often a fleeting, non-segmental air space opacification which may be unilateral or bilateral. Usually, has a predominantly peripheral distribution. Pleural effusions and lymphadenopathy are not features.

Treatment and prognosis 

The condition is usually self-limiting and treated conservatively. Opacities typically resolve within a month .

Complications

A restrictive type cardiomyopathy can develop from endomyocardial fibrosis.

History and etymology 

Named after a Swiss physician, Wilhelm Löffler (1887-1972) , who first described the case histories of patients with chest radiographic infiltrates in 1932.

Differential diagnosis

General imaging differential considerations include:

• recurrent aspiration
• pulmonary hemorrhage
• pulmonary vasculitis
• cryptogenic organizing pneumonia

Siehe auch:

• Kryptogene organisierende Pneumonie (COP)
• Lungenblutung
• pulmonale Eosinophilie

und weiter:

• Askariden