Transformation of lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (LIP) into malignant lymphoma in patients with Sjogren's syndrome: a case report and literature review

Background Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (LIP) is a very rare disease and its malignant transformation is even more rare. LIP is easily misdiagnosed by clinicians and radiologists. Case presentation The medical record of a 64-year-old female with Sjogren's syndrome was reviewed. The clinical and pathological data along with chest CT images were obtained. The literature related to the transformation was reviewed. There were no specific clinical manifestations of LIP and its transformation into malignant lymphoma in the patient. The chest CT mainly displayed multiple cystic foci, with multiple nodules and ground-glass shadows in both lungs. Conclusions Malignant transformation to lymphoma is suspected with findings of large nodules (> 11 mm) or their sizes doubly increased, pleural effusion and alveolar consolidation.