Alveolar microlithiasis: A rare cause of breathlessness since childhood

Abstract

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is an uncommon chronic disease characterized by calcifications within the alveoli and a paucity of symptoms in contrast to the imaging findings. It occurs sporadically and it is regarded as an autossomal recessive lung disease. The pathogenesis of PAM has yet to be elucidated. The disorder has a protracted course and there is no treatment available. We report a case of 21 years-old male who presented to us with complaint of exertional breathlessness since childhood. Diagnosis of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis was made on the basis of clinical features and laboratory findings.

Keywords

• Breathlessness
• diffuse nodular shadows
• pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM)