Spectrum of Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cell Proliferation: Diffuse Idiopathic Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia, Tumorlet, and Carcinoids

AJR:195, September 2010

Spectrum of Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cell Proliferation: Diffuse Idiopathic Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia, Tumorlet, and Carcinoids

Chi Wan Koo, Jeffrey P. Baliff, Drew A. Torigian, Leslie A. Litzky, Warren B. Gefter, Scott R.Akers


OBJECTIVE. The objectives of this article are to review the radiologic, pathologic, and clinical features of diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia, tumorlet, and carcinoids and to discuss the possible role of diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendo¬crine cell hyperplasia and tumorlet in the development of carcinoids.

CONCLUSION. Given the potential significant morbidity of diffuse idiopathic pulmo¬nary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia and its neoplastic counterparts, it is important to under-stand and recognize these disease entities. A conceptual continuum of these neuroendocrine entities is suggested.