Diffuse panbronchiolitis in Latin America

Diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) is a unusual form of bronchiolar disease tha t has been reported almost exclusively in Asians. We describe DPB in a non- Asian Brazilian citizen who has never traveled outside the country. The cli nical, radiographic,; and histologic features of this case resemble those d escribed in Japanese patients. The present case shows that DPB, although ra re in Western countries, is not a disease restricted to Asia. It always sho uld be considered in the differential diagnosis of nodular radiographic opa cities associated with airflow limitation, especially in nonsmokers with a history of chronic sinusitis.