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Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia

Hyperplasia is a condition in which cells in the body start to proliferate. Hyperplasia cell proliferation can occur in the neuroendocrine system, which comprises the nervous system and endocrine system.

  1. Neuroendocrine System

    • The neuroendocrine system regulates parts of the body via hormone and peptide secretions, according to the Mayo Clinic. One of its main jobs is regulating lung function.

    Definition

    • Neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (NECH) is an uncontrolled cell growth usually present in the lungs. NECH often occurs in patients with underlying conditions, including bronchiectasis, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension, according to Medcyclopaedia.com.

    HRCT Scan

    • A high-resolution computed tomography scan is used to identify neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia in the lungs, according to Medcyclopaedia.com.

    DIPNECH

    • HRCT scans can detect a rare form of neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia known as diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH). DIPNECH can be a precursor of cancerous pulmonary tumors, according to a 2008 article in the "Journal of Medical Case Reports" by Arne Warth, Esther Herpel, Astrid Schmahl, Konstantina Storz and Philipp A. Schnabel, written in conjunction with the Institute of Pathology, University Hospital, Heidelberg.

    NEHI

    • Another type of neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia detectable by HRCT scan is neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia in infancy, or NEHI. NEHI is a condition that affects lung function in infants and young children, according to Breathing is Life.com.

    Symptoms of NEHI

    • Symptoms of NEHI include fast breathing, or tachypnea; low amounts of oxygen in the blood; reflux; crackling sounds in the lungs audible to a stethoscope; weight loss; and respiratory distress, according to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

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