Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis--a case report.
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a relatively rare disease. Its etiology is unknown but it has been found associated with various opportunistic infections as well as immunological conditions. The clinical and radiological features may be indistinguishable from other respiratory disorders and diagnosis is often dependent on histology. Its course can vary from progressive deterioration to spontaneous improvement and treatment with bronchopulmonary lavage may not always be necessary. Many theories regarding pathogenesis have been put forward and most of these centre upon the roles of alveolar macrophages. We describe a case of Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis in a local Oriental male and reviewed the current understanding of its pathogenesis.
Ang
B S
BS
Department of Medicine III, Singapore General Hospital.
Poh
W T
WT
Ong
Y Y
YY
Chiang
G S
GS
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011649:Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D011859:Radiography