What does Pleuroparenchymal mean?

What does Pleuroparenchymal mean?

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a rare pulmonary fibrosis that is clinically characterized by upper-lobe predominant fibrosis. PPFE is a slowly progressive disorder and its first symptom is dyspnea or dry cough. Chest pain because of pneumothorax may be the first symptom in some patients.

What causes Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis?

Etiology. The cause of idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis is unknown, but clinical data suggest a link to recurrent pulmonary infection. Genetic and autoimmune mechanisms are also thought to play a role in this disease.

What does thickening of the lungs mean?

Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. This thickened, stiff tissue makes it more difficult for your lungs to work properly. As pulmonary fibrosis worsens, you become progressively more short of breath.

Is pleural thickening serious?

Is Pleural Thickening Serious? Pleural thickening can be serious, especially when it reaches more advanced stages. The presence of pleural thickening is not enough to confirm a pleural mesothelioma diagnosis, but it can be a sign of serious and significant asbestos exposure.

Is pulmonary fibrosis permanent?

Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease (gets worse over time). There is no cure, and it eventually leads to death. Many things factor into how long and well people can live with pulmonary fibrosis. The disease may get worse quickly (over months) or very slowly (over years).

What is the treatment for pleural thickening?

In most cases, no treatment is needed since the pleural thickening does not usually cause very severe symptoms. Stopping smoking, keeping active and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) are usually the most helpful options. If your breathlessness is severe, surgery can very occasionally be considered.

What foods are good for pulmonary fibrosis?

Eat a diet low in sodium (salt), added sugars, saturated and trans fat. Try and get most of your calories from lean meats and fish, fruits, whole grains, beans, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.

Where is lingula?

left lung
The left lung, unlike the right does not have a middle lobe. However the term lingula is used to denote a projection of the upper lobe of the left lung that serves as the homologue. This area of the left lobe – the lingula, means little tongue (in Latin) and is often referred to as the tongue in the lung.

How to tell if you have pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis?

Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis is a rare idiopathic interstitial pneumonia that predominantly involves the upper lobes of the lungs and is slowly progressive. Patients often have recurrent infections, shortness of breath, and dry cough. Diagnosis is with high-resolution CT.

What do you mean by pleural parenchymal scarring?

What does that translate to? “Pleural parenchymal scarring” refers to the presence of scar tissue in the pleura (the smooth, membrane surrounding the lung and lining the chest cavity), the pleural space (the small space between the borders of the lung and the chest wall), and in the pulmonary parenchyma (lung tissue itself).

What kind of pneumonia is idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis?

Idiopathic Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis. Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a rare condition that is classified as an idiopathic interstitial pneumonia ( 1 ). It involves upper lobe fibrosis of the pleura and subpleural lung parenchyma.