Tuberc Respir Dis.  2011 Jul;71(1):55-58.

A Case of Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis

• Lee BH
• Kang BS
• Min JW
• Park SJ
• Kim TH
• Chung JH
• Park CS

Abstract

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a rare disease of unknown etiology that is characterized by the presence of calcific concentrations in the alveolar spaces. The radiographic appearance is pathognomonic. Plain chest radiographs show a white lung or sandstorm lung consisting of fine sand like microcalcifications diffusely scattered throughout both lungs with a higher density at the lung bases. We now report the case of a 67-year-old male whose diagnosis was based on characteristic findings on a chest X-ray and a high-resolution computed tomography scan.

Keyword

Calculi; Pulmonary Alveoli

MeSH Terms

Aged
Calcinosis
Calculi
Genetic Diseases, Inborn
Humans
Lung
Lung Diseases
Male
Pulmonary Alveoli
Rare Diseases
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax
Calcinosis
Genetic Diseases, Inborn
Lung Diseases
Silicon Dioxide

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Chest radiographs showed widespread small nodules, diffusely involving both the lungs, and commonly described as "sand storm-like". At admission (C), nodules were much increased compare to previous X-rays (A, B).

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  Figure 2 High-resolution computed tomography revealed bilateral pleural effusions and diffusely distributed calcified micronodules.

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