Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine

Original Article

Birefringent Particles as an Effective Factor in Usual Interstitial Pneumonia.: Min Jung Kim, Seung Yeon Ha, Sung Hwan Jeong, Bongkyung Shin; Korean J Pathol. 2008;42(4):198-201.

Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
It has long been recognized that birefringent paticles (BP) are associated with pulmonary disease. And there is increasing evidence that BP cause fibrotic reaction within the lung depending on both particle size and composition.
METHODS
We collected 41 cases of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and 101 cases of normal lung tissue from control group including squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and bullae. BPs in the 0.1 to 10 micrometer size range under polarizing microscope was measured and counted by image analyzer.
RESULTS
BP counts are mean 244.05/10 HPF in UIP and 71.4/10 HPF in control group. BPs in UIP is three times more than control (p=0.000). It increased significantly by the age of patients (p=0.000).
CONCLUSIONS
BPs in lung might be important cause of inflammation and fibrosis in UIP.

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