A 55 years old man with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare diffuse chronic lung disease.
• Characterized by calcium phosphate deposition in alveoli, typically diagnosed incidentally in individuals up to 40 years old.
• Disease course varies from static to progressive, potentially leading to fibrosis, respiratory failure, and cor pulmonale.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) in a 55-year-old male.
• To describe the diagnostic findings and treatment response in an adult patient with PAM.
• To highlight the first reported case of PAM in Kurdistan.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 55-year-old male presenting with progressive shortness of breath.
• High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest.
• Lung biopsy for histopathological confirmation.
• 1-year follow-up with steroid and alendronate treatment.

Main Results:

• HRCT revealed diffusely scattered, ill-defined micronodules in the left lung.
• Lung biopsy confirmed Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM).
• One-year follow-up showed no disease progression and improvement in pulmonary function tests with treatment.

Conclusions:

• Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) can occur in older adults and may present with progressive symptoms.
• Treatment with steroids and alendronate may be beneficial in managing PAM.
• This case represents the first documented instance of PAM in the Kurdistan region.