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Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis presenting with crazy-paving pattern on high resolution CT
E L Gasparetto1, P Tazoniero, D L Escuissato
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Paraná School of Medicine, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
The British Journal of Radiology
|October 28, 2004
Summary
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare lung disease with calcifications. This case highlights PAM as a key consideration for lung lesions showing a "crazy-paving" pattern on CT scans.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare, chronic lung disease.
- Characterized by intra-alveolar calcifications.
- Often presents with minimal symptoms despite significant imaging findings.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old woman presented with exertional dyspnea.
- Physical exam revealed crackles and wheezes.
- Pulmonary function tests indicated a restrictive pattern.
Findings:
- Chest X-ray showed a bilateral micronodular pattern.
- High-resolution CT revealed a "crazy-paving" pattern (ground-glass opacities with septal thickening).
- Lung biopsy confirmed Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering PAM in the differential diagnosis.
- Highlights the diagnostic utility of high-resolution CT in identifying PAM.
- Emphasizes the discrepancy between clinical presentation and imaging in PAM.