Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 25, 2026

Refined Murine Model of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
07:51

Refined Murine Model of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Published on: June 17, 2025

1.3K

A 55 years old man with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis

Rebeen R Saeed1, Kosar M Ali2

  • 1Department of Medicine, General University Teaching Hospital of Sulaimania, Kurdistan, Iraq.

Lung India : Official Organ of Indian Chest Society
|August 16, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM), a rare lung disease, involves calcium phosphate deposition. This case report details a 55-year-old man

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.
Keywords:
Alveolar microlithiasislungpulmonary

More Related Videos

A Mouse Model of Pulmonary Fibrosis Induced by Nasal Bleomycin Nebulization02:46

A Mouse Model of Pulmonary Fibrosis Induced by Nasal Bleomycin Nebulization

Published on: January 20, 2023

4.1K
Isolation and In Vitro Culture of Murine and Human Alveolar Macrophages09:09

Isolation and In Vitro Culture of Murine and Human Alveolar Macrophages

Published on: April 20, 2018

24.1K

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema

Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
24
Alveoli and Alveolar Ducts01:26

Alveoli and Alveolar Ducts

The respiratory zone of the human body, which stands in contrast to the conducting zone, comprises the structures that actively participate in the exchange of gases. The initiation of this zone is marked by the terminal bronchioles converging into respiratory bronchioles, the tiniest bronchiole classification. The respiratory bronchioles give way to the alveolar ducts that opens into a congregation of alveoli. Actively involved in gas exchange, alveoli resemble tiny sacs similar to clusters of...
5.8K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
4.9K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
29
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
2.4K
Atelectasis II: Pathophysiology01:10

Atelectasis II: Pathophysiology

Atelectasis develops when alveoli lose their air and collapse inward. Because lung tissue is naturally elastic, these air sacs shrink rather than remaining open. Collapsed alveoli are no longer ventilated, reducing their role in gas exchange. Blood flow may continue in these regions, creating a ventilation–perfusion mismatch. Clinical findings include decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, reduced chest expansion, and decreased tactile fremitus as sound transmission through...
29