PULMONARY ALVEOLAR PROTEINOSIS: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disease of the lung with long term, non specific clinical symptoms. The disease process usually affects both lungs relatively in a uniform manner. Chest x-ray shows diffuse bilateral alveolar infiltrates with loss of vascular pattern. Characteristic High Resolution Computed Tomography of the chest shows airspace shadowing in a geographical distribution, alternating with areas of normal lung with superimposed interlobular septal thickening, called as Crazy Paving pattern. The condition is commonly misdiagnosed as Interstitial Lung Disease with super added infection. Lung biopsy is still the most reliable way to establish the diagnosis. Whole lung lavage is the most effective treatment for PAP and should be considered in unstable patient with progressive and worsening symptoms of the disease. We are reporting a case of 22 years old married lady, who presented with

shortness of breath, fever, dry cough, malaise and weight loss. This disease was complicated by super

added infection of the chest.