Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia vs. covid-19

Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) is a rare entity characterized by connective tissue and fibrosis inside the bronchioles. The clinical presentation is non-specific and begins with a dry cough, shortness of breath, fever, myalgias, and weight loss. Diagnosis is based on clinical history, objective examination, analyses, spirometry, and imaging tests (high-resolution computed tomography, fibrobroncoschopy, and bronchoalveolar lavage). Lung biopsy is the gold-standard diagnostic test, but it should only be carried out if necessary to establish a differential diagnosis. According to the literature, glucocorticoids are effective with immunomodulators (macrolides) or chemotherapy agentes depending on the underlying pathology. The following case refers to a patient with a respiratory infection, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and who, despite their clinical similarities, was diagnosed with COP. It is important to emphasize the importance of making a differential diagnosis, which will allow an appropriate therapeutic plan to be drawn up.