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[Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis: report of four cases]

K Marc1, J E Bourkadi, A Jahid

  • 1Service de pneumologie, hôpital Moulay-Youssef, CHU Ibn-Sina, Rabat, Maroc. kar_marc@yahoo.fr

Revue De Pneumologie Clinique
|November 11, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis, a rare genetic lung disease, involves calcium phosphate deposits. High-resolution CT scans aid diagnosis, potentially avoiding lung biopsies.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Genetics
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder.
  • Characterized by calcium phosphate microlithiasis in the lungs.
  • Recent research links mutations in the SLC34A2 gene to the disease.

Observation:

  • Presents four cases of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis.
  • Three patients were asymptomatic at diagnosis.
  • Histological confirmation was obtained in three cases.

Findings:

  • High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is effective for diagnosis.
  • HRCT reveals the calcic nature and distribution of lung lesions.
  • Diagnosis via HRCT can obviate the need for lung biopsy.

Implications:

  • Early and accurate diagnosis of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is crucial.
  • HRCT offers a non-invasive diagnostic approach.
  • Further literature review is recommended for comprehensive understanding.

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