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Löffler syndrome

Dr Ekta Dhamija et al.

Simple pulmonary eosinophilia (also known as Löffler syndrome) is an idopathic type of pulmonary eosinophilia. It typically presents with transient radiographic infiltrates, minimal constitutional upset and an elevated eosinophil count in peripheral blood.

Radiographic features

Plain film (CXR) / HRCT

There is often a fleeting type transient non segmental air space opacification which may be unilateral or bilateral. Usually has predominantly peripheral distribution. Pleural effusions and lymphadenopathy is not a feature.

Complications

A restrictive type cardiomyopathy can develop from endomyocardial fibrosis

Treatment and prognosis

Treatment if usually not required and opacities resolve within a month ^3,5.

Etymology

Named after Wilhelm Löffler : Swiss physician ( 1887- 1972) who first described the case histories of patients with chest radiographic infiltrates in 1932.