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Published on: June 16, 2020
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema secondary to pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis
Fuat Erel1, Candan Güngör2, Nurhan Sarıoğlu1
1Department of Chest Diseases, Balıkesır University Faculty of Medicine, Balıkesir, Turkey.
Abstract:
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by intraalveolar accumulation of microliths. PAM is described as the formation and accumulation of calcium phosphate microliths in the alveoli after mutations in the SLC34A2 gene. The patients may be asymptomatic or present with heterogeneous signs such as dyspnea, cough, sputum, weakness, chest pain and hemoptysis. Recurrent pneumothoraces may occur over the course of the disease in advanced cases. Her, it was aimed to report a case of a 40-year-old female presenting with chest pain, sore throat, cough and green sputum for the past two months. Chest radiography and computed tomography showed pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema which have not been reported in previous studies due to PAM. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and mucosal biopsy were done after pneumomediastinum had cleared. BAL result was concordant with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis. Diagnosis can be made with computed tomography but may necessitate histopathological verification for definitive diagnosis.
Insights
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare genetic lung disease. This case highlights unusual presentations like pneumomediastinum in PAM patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Genetics
- Radiology
Background:
- Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder.
- Characterized by the accumulation of calcium phosphate microliths within the alveoli.
- Caused by mutations in the SLC34A2 gene.
Observation:
- A 40-year-old female presented with cough, chest pain, and sputum.
- Imaging revealed pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema, previously unreported in PAM.
- Bronchoalveolar lavage confirmed the diagnosis.
Findings:
- The case demonstrated atypical clinical and radiological manifestations of PAM.
- Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema were observed, expanding the known clinical spectrum.
- Histopathological verification may be necessary for definitive diagnosis despite CT findings.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of rare lung diseases like PAM.
- Highlights the importance of considering atypical presentations in diagnosis.
- Suggests further research into the varied manifestations of PAM.
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