[Invasive treatment of proteinosis]

The case of alveolar proteinosis successfully treated with whole lung lavage is described. In 40 years old, heavy smoker man disease started with recurrent respiratory tract infections. Disseminated lesions in chest x-ray were found. Patient was treated with antibiotics and corticosteroids without response-respiratory failure was developed. Diagnosis of alveolar proteinosis was confirmed after open lung biopsy. Bronchoalveolar lavage with small amount of 0.9% saline (200 ml) was repeated 7 times without improvement. PaO2 was 48 mmHg. Whole lung lavage with 10 L of 0.9% saline to each lung was repeated 2 times (total amount of liquid equal 40 L). PaO2 after treatment was 64 mmHg and 2 months later-84 mmHg. No complications were observed. Procedure was exactly described with parameters of respiratory system function.