Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
07:51
Refined Murine Model of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Published on: June 17, 2025
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: four cases
João Carlos Thompson1, Marina Kishima, Mariana Ulbricht Gomes
1Royal Brompton Hospital, London, England. zthomson@sercomtel.com.br
Summary
Whole-lung lavage is an effective treatment for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). While some patients show resistance, this procedure can lead to complete disease remission in others.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare lung disease characterized by the accumulation of surfactant-like material in the alveoli.
- This study examines the clinical course and treatment outcomes of four PAP patients.
Observation:
- Four patients (3 female, 1 male, aged 22-34) with progressive dyspnea and dry cough were diagnosed with PAP via open-lung biopsy.
- Three patients underwent whole-lung lavage (WLL) under general anesthesia with a double-lumen endotracheal tube.
Findings:
- One patient experienced spontaneous regression of PAP without intervention.
- Of the three patients who underwent WLL, one achieved complete remission after a single unilateral lavage, while another showed no significant improvement after three lavages.
- The fourth patient required four lavages, experiencing only transient improvements.
Implications:
- Whole-lung lavage is a valuable therapeutic option for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.
- Treatment response to WLL can vary, with some patients demonstrating resistance despite multiple procedures.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
01:30Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe health condition in which the mean pulmonary arterial pressure increases to 25 mmHg or more, even when the body is at rest. This high pressure in the blood vessels that transport blood from the heart to the lungs can cause various symptoms, including shortness of breath, can lead to right heart failure, and significantly affect the overall quality of life.
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
01:14Atypical Pneumonia
Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Medical History
01:19Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a long-term condition marked by persistent and only partially reversible airflow limitation. It involves two overlapping conditions—chronic bronchitis and emphysema—which often co-appear but differ in dominant symptoms and underlying mechanisms.Chronic Bronchitis FeaturesChronic bronchitis presents with a persistent productive cough and thick, sometimes purulent mucus due to airway inflammation, enlarged mucus glands, and goblet cell...
01:21Acute Respiratory Failure-II
Type I Respiratory Failure, or hypoxemic respiratory failure, occurs when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in arterial blood falls below 60 mmHg while breathing room air without a corresponding increase in arterial carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2). This condition highlights a significant impairment in the lungs' capacity to oxygenate the blood.
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include: