Alveolar proteinosis

Case contributed by Andrew Kirby
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Marked shortness of breath, onset over 3 months from previously well. Smoker. No other past medical history.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

Bilateral, symmetrical reticulonodular opacification, particularly in medial mid and lower zones, with relative sparing of apices and costophrenic angles. Bilaterally bulky hila suggest lymphadenopathy.

ct

Crazy paving pattern of pulmonary opacification: interlobular septal thickening and ground glass opacification.

Relative sparing of lung apices and costophrenic recesses.

Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy.

Case Discussion

Typical features of alveolar proteinosis.

This case was autoimmune, and the patient was found to have raised LDH and IgG antibodies.

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