Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP)

Article By:

Pierce, Marcia M. Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky.

Last reviewed:September 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.096850

Show previous versions

• Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP), published November 2008:Download PDF Get Adobe Acrobat Reader

A rare inflammatory lung disease affecting the small airways (bronchioles) and air sacs (alveoli) of the respiratory system. Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) was first described in 1985 by Gary Epler as a disease distinct from other disorders of the lungs; it is also known as Epler's pneumonia and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP). In general, BOOP is characterized by the formation of connective tissue masses in the lungs, filling the respiratory bronchioles and making breathing difficult and painful. BOOP presents clinically with initial flulike symptoms, followed by progressive dyspnea (shortness of breath), cough, fever, and weight loss. Crackling sounds can be heard within the chest using a stethoscope. X-ray imagery shows bilateral patchy infiltrates in the alveoli of the lungs. Computerized tomography (CT) shows bilateral areas of lung consolidation (see illustration). This consolidation appears with a ground-glass-like haziness that is characteristic for the disease. See also: Computerized tomography; Inflammation; Lung; Pneumonia; Respiratory system; Respiratory system disorders

The content above is only an excerpt.