Cholesterol Pneumonia

Cholesterol pneumonia (endogenous lipid pneumonia) is accumulation of cholesterol-laden macrophages in lung due to chronic obstruction/infection/bronchiectasis, presenting with cough, dyspnea, and focal/mass-like consolidation. Treatment: treat underlying cause (bronchial obstruction/bronchiectasis/infection); antibiotics for infection; bronchoscopy to remove obstruction; surgical resection if mass/uncertain diagnosis; pulmonary toilet; monitor for neoplasm.

Common Symptoms

Cough/dyspnea; focal consolidation/mass-like; chronic obstruction/bronchiectasis

Causes and Pathogenesis

Chronic obstruction/infection causes alveolar macrophage cholesterol accumulation.

Treatment

Treat underlying obstruction/infection; antibiotics; resection if mass/uncertain

Preventive Measures

Treat bronchiectasis/obstruction early.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Pulmonology/Thoracic-surgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.