Master Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis with Picmonic for Medicine

Another type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis is pigeon breeder's lung. As its name implies, this type arises in patients who are in contact with pigeons.

Other common triggers are coffee bean dust, moldy sugar cane, and bacterial spores from hot tubs.

Another specific type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis is malt worker's lung, which is thought to be due to aspergillus spores that arise from moldy barley.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be acute or chronic. Acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis is caused by a type III hypersensitivity reaction to a trigger. It usually occurs because of intermittent, brief exposures to high doses of the trigger in question.
As exposure begins, the allergen is picked up in the lungs by dendritic cells that travel to the lymph nodes and present it to Th1 cells. Th1 cells activate B cells which become plasmocytes that produce antibodies and form complexes with the antigen. These, in turn, deposit in the basement membrane of the pulmonary capillaries.
As this occurs, the complement system is activated and neutrophils, the predominant cell, degranulate, causing inflammation and necrosis of capillaries and alveoli.

Acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis usually occurs 4-8 hours after exposure.

Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a type IV hypersensitivity reaction (delayed). It occurs if the exposure continues, usually in low doses, for > 6 months. It is characterized by granuloma formation and fibrosis. The predominant cell in this form is the CD8 T lymphocyte.

Fever is a common finding in patients with acute forms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It is absent in chronic forms.

Dyspnea and cough are common in both acute and chronic presentations and can be accompanied by tachypnea and crackles.

On CXR and CT, a characteristic (though not pathognomonic) feature is ground-glass opacifications, areas of increased opacity with preserved bronchial and vascular markings. Other findings include numerous small, poorly defined opacities that spare the base of the lungs.

On spirometry, the typical finding is a restrictive pattern, with a decrease in all lung volumes along with low DLCO and low distensibility.

A study that can be performed for diagnosis is the inhalation challenge, a test in which the patient is exposed to the suspected trigger of the disease and monitored for a response.

The first step to managing hypersensitivity pneumonitis is to remove the trigger. Most cases are self-limited once the trigger is removed.

In severe cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, glucocorticoids can be used. If it is chronic, glucocorticoids are used, reducing the dose until the minimum effective dose is achieved.