pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

overproduction of surfactant (?) ==> alveolar (end-air-space) filling

peak age: 20 - 50 yrs
10-20% asymptomatic
tx: brochoalveolar lavage
prognosis: variable from recovery to progression and death
may be complicated by superinfection (Nocardia,mycobacterium)

Findings:

"bat-wing" alveolar infiltrate
no interstitial disease, the only PURE air-space disease
no adenopathy

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© 2002, C.E. Kahn, Jr.
2002-04-18