Diffuse panbronchiolitis

Diffuse panbronchiolitis, abbreviated DPB, is a rare lung disease.

General

• Rare lung disease predominantly found among asians.
• Has been likened to cystic fibrosis - but doesn't really share any features with it.

Gross

Features:

• Bronchiectasis.
• Hyperinflation.
• Small nodules (~2-3 mm) around the small airways.
• Diffuse involvement of both lungs.

Microscopic

Features:

• Transmural inflammation of bronchioles - esp. respiratory bronchioles.
  • Lymphocytes, plasma cells, histiocytes.
• Neutrophils within the airway.

Images

• DPB (ersjournals.com).

See also

• Medical lung diseases.