[Pulmonary silicoproteinosis. A case of prolonged survival]

Alveolar silicoproteinosis is a very rare form of silicosis that can develop after a latency period of between a few months and 5 years after the first exposure to silica, and courses invariably, with rapid deterioration of lung function, without an effective response to treatment. Because of its rarity and its unique outcome, the case is presented of a 55 year old woman, diagnosed with alveolar silicoproteinosis in our hospital, who improved by removing the occupational exposure to silica dust and remains stable with no radiological or lung function worsening four years after diagnosis of the disease. To our knowledge, this is the first case of alveolar silicoproteinosis that had a good outcome.