Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: a case report

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a rare, diffuse interstitial lung disease, characterized by alveolar obstruction due to the accumulation of pulmonary surfactant.

A 30-year-old male with progressively worsening dyspnea and non-productive cough for one year. He was a sugar cane plantation worker and had prior recurrent respiratory infections. Physical exam revealed cyanosis, and bilateral coarse and fine rales. Chest computed tomography showed diffuse crazy paving pattern. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage yielded a foamy, thick whitish material. Cytology revealed lymphocytes and acellular proteinaceous eosinophilic material. Transbronchial biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Patient met criteria for whole lung lavage, responding favorably to this therapy.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a rare lung disease and important to consider due to the diagnostic and therapeutic challenge it represents.