<chest medicine> A form of pneumonia which involves the interstitial tissues (connective tissue) of the lung. ... Causes are varied and include: infection with Pneumocystis carinii, radiation exposure, toxic inhalation, viral pneumonias and giant cell pneumonia. ... (27 Sep 1997) ... 
any of various types of pneumonia characterized by thickening of the interstitial tissue. idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Type: Term Synonyms: giant cell pneumonia
[n] - chronic lung disease affecting the interstitial tissue of the lungs