Acute interstitial pneumonitis
| HR syndrome | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Acute interstitial pneumonia or Hamman–Rich syndrome |
| Micrograph of diffuse alveolar damage, the histologic correlate of acute interstitial pneumonitis. H&E stain. | |
| Specialty | Pulmonology |
Acute interstitial pneumonitis (also known as acute interstitial pneumonia) is a rare, severe lung disease that usually affects otherwise healthy individuals.
Acute interstitial pneumonitis is often categorized as both an interstitial lung disease and a form of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In uncommon instances, if ARDS appears acutely, in the absence of known triggers, and follows a rapidly progressing clinical course, the term "Acute interstitial pneumonia" is used. ARDS is distinguished from the chronic forms of interstitial pneumonia such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. There is no proved treatment and management is largely based on supportive care.