Work

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis with minimal symptoms and near-complete whiteout on chest imaging

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare idiopathic disease characterized by accumulated calcium and phosphate crystals within the alveoli. Although PAM can be suspected in patients with clinical-radiological dissociation and characteristic imaging findings on chest computed tomography, definitive diagnosis requires a family history of PAM, identification of SLC34A2 gene mutations, or lung biopsy to exclude differential diagnoses. We report a case of a 66-year-old female incidentally found to have diffuse pulmonary calcifications. The diagnosis was confirmed through typical imaging features, transbronchial lung biopsy, and a family history of PAM. This case highlights the hallmark imaging characteristics of PAM and the critical role of transbronchial lung biopsy in establishing a definitive diagnosis. As PAM is a rare disease with no established consensus on treatment, except for lung transplantation, symptomatic management remains a significant challenge.

Source: Radiology Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2025.03.065

Authors: Nam Nguyen-Thanh, Ngoc Duong-Minh, Khoa Nguyen-Dang, Thong Pham-Quang, Nam Vu-Hoai, Vu Le-Thuong

Institutions: Cho Ray Hospital, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, University Medical Center HCMC

Language: English

Topic: Medical Imaging and Pathology Studies

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $600