lung and airway disorders
Eosinophilic Pneumonia
Diagnosis of Eosinophilic Pneumonia
Chest x-ray and computed tomography Bronchoscopy Blood tests to measure the number of eosinophils When doctors suspect eosinophilic pneumonia, they first do a chest x-ray. Inacute eosinophilic pneumonia,the chest x-ray is abnormal, but similar abnormalities can occur in other conditions. Inchronic eosinophilic pneumonia,chest x-rays may aid in diagnosis. Often, computed tomography (CT) of the chest is needed for diagnosis, particularly for both acute and chronic eosinophilic pneumonia. The number of eosinophils in the blood are measured. In acute eosinophilic pneumonia, the number of eosinophils in the blood may be normal. In chronic eosinophilic pneumonia, tests show large numbers of eosinophils in the blood, sometimes as many as 10 to 15 times the normal number. Microscopic examination of cells from washings of the alveoli obtained during bronchoscopy typically shows clumps of eosinophils. Other laboratory tests may be done to search for an infection with fungi or parasites. These tests may include microscopic examination of stool specimens to look for worms and other parasites. 