Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

A Refined Aerosol-Based Intratracheal Bleomycin Delivery Method for Reproducible and Minimally Invasive Mouse Models of Pulmonary Fibrosis
05:45

A Refined Aerosol-Based Intratracheal Bleomycin Delivery Method for Reproducible and Minimally Invasive Mouse Models of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Published on: January 16, 2026

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis in siblings

Rajoo Thapa1, Debasree Ganguly, Apurba Ghosh

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, The Institute of Child Health, Kolkata 700 017, India. rajoothapa@yahoo.co.in

Indian Pediatrics
|March 4, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare lung disease. Family screening of diagnosed patients is crucial for early detection of asymptomatic cases, as seen in two siblings.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Genetics
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is an extremely rare, diffuse lung disease characterized by the accumulation of calcospherites in the alveoli.
  • Genetic predisposition is suggested in familial cases, although the exact inheritance pattern remains unclear.

Observation:

  • Two siblings presented with Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM).
  • The initial diagnosis was made in a male child, prompting family screening.
  • Screening identified an asymptomatic sister, highlighting the potential for silent disease progression.

Findings:

  • High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and bone scintigraphy confirmed the diagnosis.
  • Imaging revealed the characteristic calcific nature of the alveolar microliths.
  • The asymptomatic sister's diagnosis underscores the utility of proactive screening.

Implications:

  • Early detection of Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is possible through systematic family screening of index cases.
  • Identifying asymptomatic individuals allows for timely monitoring and potential intervention.
  • This case series emphasizes the importance of a familial approach in diagnosing rare genetic lung diseases.

More Related Videos

Refined Murine Model of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis07:51

Refined Murine Model of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Published on: June 17, 2025

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus06:15

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus

Published on: March 6, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema01:23

Chronic 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.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Other Pulmonary Disorders01:17

Other Pulmonary Disorders

Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...