Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in a marble worker

Abstract

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rarely seen disease of the alveoli, characterized by accumulation of proteinous material, which stains positive with periodic acid Schiff, in the alveoli. Secondary PAP may develop as a result of occupational exposure to materials such as silica and indium. In the paper, together with a review of the relevant literature, we present an uncommon case of a 47-year old male, marble worker who was diagnosed with PAP associated with a 12-year history of exposure to marble dust. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(5):871–876

Keywords

• silica
• occupational disease
• bronchoalveolar lavage
• pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
• marble worker
• rare lung disease