Pneumothorax secondary to pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis
Oliver P Devine1, Andrew C Harborne2
1School of Medicine University College London Gower Street London WC1E 6BT UK.
Clinical Case Reports
|April 12, 2018
Abstract:
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare impairment of pulmonary phosphate clearance that leads to gradual precipitation of intra-alveolar calcium phosphate microliths. There is often a striking difference between alarming clinical imaging and a relatively well patient. Pneumothorax in PAM often only respond to surgical intervention.
Insights
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare lung disease causing calcium phosphate buildup. Patients may appear well despite severe imaging results, and pneumothorax often requires surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Rare Diseases
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare lung condition.
- Characterized by intra-alveolar calcium phosphate microlithiasis due to impaired phosphate clearance.
- Often presents with a discrepancy between imaging findings and clinical status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the key features of Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis.
- To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in managing PAM.
- To emphasize the prognostic implications of pneumothorax in PAM patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis.
- Analysis of clinical imaging characteristics in PAM.
- Evaluation of treatment outcomes for complications like pneumothorax.
Main Results:
- PAM involves gradual precipitation of calcium phosphate in alveoli.
- Clinical presentation can be misleading, with severe imaging findings in asymptomatic patients.
- Pneumothorax in PAM is often refractory to non-surgical management.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a distinct entity with unique pathophysiology.
- The disconnect between imaging and symptoms is a hallmark of PAM.
- Surgical intervention is frequently necessary for managing pneumothorax in PAM.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pneumothorax-I
1.4K
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
1.4K
01:27Pneumothorax-II
1.1K
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
1.1K
01:55Secondary Active Transport
138.2K
One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme “pump” embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...
138.2K
01:32Secondary Active Transport
9.8K
One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme "pump" embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...
9.8K
01:26Alveoli and Alveolar Ducts
6.0K
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...
6.0K
01:11Secondary Healthcare System
2.1K
Secondary healthcare is offered by a specialist, generally in hospitals or clinics for patients referred by primary healthcare providers. It occurs when a person has an illness or injury that requires specific medical care. Secondary care is often referred to as acute care. Secondary care can range from uncomplicated care to repair a minor laceration or treat a strep throat infection to more complicated emergent care, such as treating a head injury sustained in an automobile accident. Whatever...
2.1K