[Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis--a rare cause of bilateral extensive pulmonary infiltrates].
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a rare disease, which is characterized by pulmonary deposition of calcium phosphate microliths. The radiographic features can be pathognomonic with a "sandstorm"-like opacification throughout the lungs.


METHODS
A 29-year-old Moroccan presented for the first time 1988 with atypical chest pain. His history was characterized by nephrocalcinosis and pulmonary disease. Physical examination and laboratory values were unremarkable. Chest X-ray revealed extensive bilateral pulmonary infiltrates with "sandstorm"-like opacifications. Sonography showed medullary nephrocalcinosis. The diagnosis of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis was confirmed by transbronchial biopsy. Over the next 13 years there was only a moderate expansion of the pulmonary infiltrates and a beginning restrictive pattern, whereas the patient was almost symptom-free.


CONCLUSIONS
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a rare cause of bilateral pulmonary infiltrates and should be considered in the differential diagnosis. In some cases there is also an association with calcifications of extrapulmonary organs.
Krüger
Stefan
S
Medizinische Klinik I, Universitätsklinikum Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen. skru@pcserver.mk1.rwth-aachen.de
Brandenburg
Vincent M
VM
Hoffmann
Rainer
R
Breuer
Christian
C
Riehl
Jochen
J
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000473:pathology