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Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis with pleural calcification and nephrolithiasis
1Clinical Research Centre, University of Delhi, India.
Chest
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) can affect multiple organs, as seen in a case with pleural calcification and kidney stones. Peripheral white lines on chest X-rays may indicate this rare systemic disease.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Nephrology
- Radiology
Background:
- Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare lung disease characterized by the accumulation of calcospherites in alveoli.
- Diagnosis typically relies on characteristic radiographic findings, primarily diffuse, fine granular opacities on chest imaging.
Observation:
- This report details a unique case of PAM presenting with concurrent pleural calcification and nephrolithiasis (kidney stones).
- A notable radiographic finding was the presence of peripheral white lines on the chest roentgenogram, an infrequently documented sign in PAM.
Findings:
- The co-occurrence of pulmonary, pleural, and renal calcifications suggests PAM may manifest as a systemic disorder rather than a purely pulmonary condition.
- Peripheral white lines on chest X-ray, though rare, are highlighted as a potential diagnostic clue for PAM.
Implications:
- Recognizing extrapulmonary calcification in PAM broadens the understanding of its potential systemic involvement.
- Increased awareness of peripheral white lines could aid in earlier and more accurate diagnosis of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis.