Etymed
interstitial pneumonitis
Definition
Inflammation of the tissue between the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, typically affecting the interstitial spaces
Clinical context
A 65-year-old former coal miner presents with progressive dyspnea and dry cough over several months. Chest X-ray shows bilateral reticular opacities with honeycombing patterns. Pulmonary function tests reveal restrictive lung disease with reduced DLCO. These findings are consistent with interstitial pneumonitis affecting the lung interstitium.
Mnemonic
INFLAME interstitial spaces - INterstitial Lung disease with ALVEOLI inflammation
These morphemes also unlock…
- inter- — between
- stiti/o — standing; placed (from sistere, to stand)
- -al — pertaining to
- pneumon/o — lung
- -itis — inflammation