Which of the following are true regarding chronic eosinophilic pneumonia?
a) It has an association with bronchial asthma
b) It is usually associated with markedly raised immunoglobulin levels
c) Migratory peripheral consolidations affecting predominantly the lower lobes are typical
d) Pleural effusions are seen in more than 50% of cases
e) Unlike acute eosinophilic pneumonia, it is usually not responsive to steroid treatment
Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) has the following characteristics:
a) True: Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia is often associated with bronchial asthma.
b) False: CEP is not typically associated with markedly raised immunoglobulin levels. Elevated IgE levels can be seen in some cases, but they are not a defining feature of CEP.
c) **True**: Migratory peripheral consolidations, particularly affecting the lower lobes, are characteristic of CEP.
d) False: Pleural effusions are not commonly seen in more than 50% of cases of CEP. They are relatively uncommon and not a typical feature.
e) False: Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia is usually responsive to steroid treatment, unlike acute eosinophilic pneumonia, which may also respond well to steroids.
So, the correct answers are (a) and (c).