Mild honeycombing, usually affecting < 10% of the lung, may be present. Routine laboratory tests are nonspecific and generally not helpful. [merckmanuals.com]

• Sepsis

  Surgical lung biopsy showing diffuse alveolar damage in the absence of known causes of ARDS and diffuse alveolar damage (eg, sepsis, drugs, toxins, radiation, viral infection) confirms a diagnosis of AIP. [merckmanuals.com]

• Pulmonary Disorder

  Acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) is a rare and fulminant idiopathic pulmonary disorder that manifests similarly to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). [merckmanuals.com]

Treatment aims to keep the person alive until the disorder resolves. Mechanical ventilation is needed if there is respiratory failure. Corticosteroids are generally used, but it is not clear whether they are effective. [merckmanuals.com]