Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH): a little known cause of thoracic lesions

Abstract

Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is a rare but important condition to consider when investigating a patient with suspected thoracic malignancy. There is very little known about DIPNECH and it is considered to be a precursor to carcinoid tumour of the lung. This case report aims to increase awareness of this largely unknown and rare condition and to better improve its consideration as a differential diagnosis in patients who remain unresponsive to conventional treatment.