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Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis
H J Gayathri Devi1, K N Mohan Rao, K M Prathima
1Department of Chest Diseases, MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, India.
Lung India : Official Organ of Indian Chest Society
|June 30, 2011
Summary
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis, a rare lung disease, was diagnosed in a young boy. His condition presented as failure to thrive and miliary mottling on chest X-ray, confirmed by lung biopsy.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Rare Diseases
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is an uncommon interstitial lung disease.
- The etiology of PAM remains largely unknown.
- Diagnosis often relies on characteristic radiographic findings and histological confirmation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis in a pediatric patient.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and presentation of this rare condition.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a young male patient.
- Clinical presentation including failure to thrive.
- Imaging studies: chest X-ray demonstrating miliary mottling.
- Histopathological examination: open lung biopsy.
Main Results:
- The patient exhibited failure to thrive and radiographic evidence of miliary mottling.
- Open lung biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis.
- This case underscores the presentation of PAM in a pediatric demographic.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis can present insidiously in children with non-specific symptoms.
- Early diagnosis through imaging and biopsy is crucial for managing this rare lung condition.
- Further research into the pathogenesis of PAM is warranted.
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