Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia mimicking community- acquired pneumonia

Abstract

Background: Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia is a rare disease that mimics infectious pneumonia. Most patients respond well to corticosteroid therapy. Methods: We report a single case and findings from an English language literature search of MEDLINE using key words 'bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia.' Results and Conclusions: Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia should be considered when a patient with pneumonia does not respond to antibiotics and has multiple patchy infiltrates and characteristic bronchoalveolar lavage patterns. A tissue sample is required for definitive diagnosis. Infection by a multiresistant organism can occur with multiple antibiotic therapy and concomitant use of corticosteroids, particularly when no initial infecting organism is identified.