[Pulmonary microlithiasis-analysis of a case]

The pulmonary microlithiasis is a very rare disease, and each new patient present a special interest. It is given an opportunity to discuss some new aspects of the etiology and pathogenesis which are unclear. This case concerns a woman (42 years old) in whose case some particularities in the clinical course have been analyzed and discussed. The essential in the clinical course was practically lack of clinical manifestation and disturbances during a very long period--about 25 years from the beginning of the disease, and very fast development during last year, manifested by the pulmonary deficiency. It was also marked the absence of respiratory infection during this long unmanifested period. The lack of the familial tendency and occupational noxious in this case rise the question about some new aspects of the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease. Namely, the disturbances in the recyclation of the pulmonary surfactant as a clue moment in the development of the disease.