Focal organizing pneumonia simulating lung malignancy: treated with prednisolone

Abstract

Focal cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (FOP) is a localized form of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP). It is an uncommon clinicopathological entity associated with non-specific symptoms and radiographic findings simulating lung malignancy. Incidence of idiopathic FOP is not known and only reported as case series. Its treatment usually involved surgical resection. Here, we report a case of a 62-year-old female presenting with a history of dyspnoea, persistent paroxysms of dry cough, and low-grade fever of three weeks duration with a solitary consolidation on imaging. Computed tomography-guided biopsy showed an organizing pneumonia pattern. A therapeutic trial with prednisolone resulted in resolution without the need for surgical resection, without recurrence after follow-up for 12 months.