Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia pathophysiology

Pathophysiology

Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia lesions consist more of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the alveolar ducts and alveoli. There might be involvement of polyps in the bronchial lumen in some patients. There is excess of granulation tissue deposition and sometimes this pattern of extension may appear like a butterfly. Dysorganization of the alveolar epithelium is what causes cryptogenic organizing pneumonia. This disorganization leads to plasma protein leakage, fibroblast migration and fibrin deposition inside the lumen. Involvement of the vascular endothelial growth factors and matrix metalloproteinase also adds up to the cause.