Lipoid pneumonia is a specific form of lung inflammation (pneumonia) that develops when lipids enter the bronchial tree. The disorder is sometimes called cholesterol pneumonia in cases where that lipid is a factor.^[1]

Quick Facts Lipoid pneumonia, Other names ...

Lipoid pneumonia
Other names	Lipoid pneumonia, cholesterol pneumonia
Lipid pneumonia, exogenous Case 108
Specialty	Pulmonology

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The pneumonia presents as a foreign body reaction causing cough, dyspnea, and often fever. Hemoptysis has also been reported.^[2]

Sources of such lipids could be either exogenous or endogenous.^[3]

The gross appearance of a lipid pneumonia is that in which there is an ill-defined, pale yellow area on the lung. This yellow appearance explains the colloquial term "golden" pneumonia.^[7]

At the microscopic scale foamy macrophages and giant cells are seen in the airways, and the inflammatory response is visible in the parenchyma.^{[citation needed]}

On CT, lipoid pneumonia appears as a "crazy paving" pattern, characterized by grounglass opacities with interspersed interlobular septal thickening.^[8]

In terms of the evaluation of Lipid pneumonia we find the following:^[9]

• Chest X-ray
• CT scan
• Arterial blood gas (pH)
• Bronchoscopy (histological sample)

There are no specific guidelines for the treatment of the disease. Limited evidence suggest that the corticosteroids and possibly intravenous immunoglobulins may improve condition but in the case of exogenous type the stopping of the offending agent is the step that should be taken first.^[9]

Endogenous lipoid pneumonia and non-specific interstitial pneumonitis has been seen prior to the development of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in a child.^[6]

Lipid pneumonia has been known to occur in underwater divers after breathing poorly filtered air supplied by a surface compressor lubricated by mineral oil.^[10]

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (September 2022)

Laughlen first described lipid pneumonia in 1925 with infants that inhaled oil droplets.^[10] It is a condition that has been seen as an occupational risk for commercial diving operations but documented cases are rare.^[10]