PULMONARY PLASMA-CELL GRANULOMA IMPROVES WITH CORTICOSTEROID-THERAPY

Two cases of pulmonary plasma cell granuloma that progressed after res piratory infectious disease are described. The men, 48 and 32 years ol d, were admitted to the hospital with blood-streaked sputum and mass o r nodular shadow on chest radiograph. Close examination revealed that these tumors were plasma cell granulomas, which are known as postinfla mmatory pseudotumors. Biopsy specimens, obtained by way of transbronch ial biopsy, demonstrated proliferation of mature plasma cells and infi ltration of lymphocytes supported by granulation tissue, and there was no evidence of malignancy or tuberculosis. Although surgery is common in the treatment of pulmonary plasma cell granuloma, some cases relap se or invade the mediastinum. Therefore, we decided to treat these pat ients with prednisolone, 30 mg/d, an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppr essive agent. Two or 4 weeks later, these tumors disappeared completel y and they have never recurred. As middle-dosage corticosteroid therap y is not cytotoxic, it is useful for the treatment of pulmonary plasma cell granuloma, especially in multifocal, unresectable, and/or relaps ing cases.