[Persisting alveolitis after Legionella pneumonia].

Pneumonia was diagnosed radiologically in three patients (43, 54 and 58 years old, respectively), presenting with temperatures between 39 degrees and 40 degrees C, cough and weight loss. These signs persisted for 6, 7 and 13 weeks, respectively, but the pathogens could not be cultivated. Lung function analysis showed partial respiratory insufficiency with extensive restrictive impairment of ventilation. Samples of lung tissue were obtained in all three cases and histology revealed fibrosing alveolitis. In two patients serology yielded antibody titres of 1:512 and in one patient of 1:128, against Legionella pneumophila. Treatment with 1 g erythromycin three times daily was unsuccessful. Therefore, the patients were given prednisone at an initial dosage of 50-100 mg which was subsequently reduced. Lung function normalised during this treatment course, radiological findings and antibody titres receded. Hence, treatment with corticosteroids should be attempted if there is an urgent suspicion of fibrosing alveolitis caused by Legionella pneumophila, after having excluded a florid infectious pneumonia and after failure of erythromycin treatment.