Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia of Infancy
Pronunciation: noo-roh-EN-doh-krin sel HY-per-play-zhuh
Also written as: NEHI — Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia of Infancy
A form of childhood interstitial lung disease characterised by persistent tachypnoea, hypoxaemia, and crackles in infancy, associated with increased pulmonary neuroendocrine cells.
Full Definition
Neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy (NEHI) is a benign, non-progressive chILD disorder primarily affecting term infants during the first year of life. It is characterised by increased numbers of bombesin-immunoreactive neuroendocrine cells in the distal airways. Chest CT shows pathognomonic ground-glass opacification in the right middle lobe and lingula. Unlike many chILD conditions, NEHI does not require lung biopsy for diagnosis when clinical and CT findings are typical; however, editors reviewing diagnostic criteria manuscripts must verify that CT characterisation and clinical criteria are both reported. Most infants improve with age without specific therapy.
Usage
Usage note: Some authors use 'persistent tachypnoea of infancy' as a synonym; editors should query authors on intended usage and ensure consistency throughout.
In Context
- "High-resolution CT demonstrating ground-glass opacity in the right middle lobe and lingula supported a clinical diagnosis of neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy." — Radiology report
- "The author used 'persistent tachypnoea of infancy' interchangeably with NEHI; the editor queried whether the two terms were being used synonymously or as distinct entities." — Manuscript peer-review query