Q: What is the typical finding to look for in Broncho-Alveolar Lavage (BAL) in AEP (Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia)? 


Answer: In AEP, in most patients, eosinophils will exceed 20% of cells in Broncho-Alveolar Lavage (BAL) fluid and average 37 to 54%. 



 References:

 Pope-Harman AL, Davis WB, Allen ED, Christoforidis AJ, Allen JN. Acute eosinophilic pneumonia. A summary of 15 cases and review of the literature. Medicine (Baltimore) 1996; 75 (6) 334–342

 Philit F, Etienne-Mastroïanni B, Parrot A, Guérin C, Robert D, Cordier JF. Idiopathic acute eosinophilic pneumonia: a study of 22 patients. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2002; 166 (9) 1235–1239