Abstract
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare disease of unknown origin in which calcific concretions collect in alveolar spaces. No known cause for the disease had been identified and there appears to be no systemic disorder of calcium metabolism. Plain chest X-ray shows a white lung consisting of fine sandlike micro calcification diffusely scattered throughout both lungs with high density at lung basis. CT reveals ground glass haze with inter and intra lobular septal thickening suggestive of crazy paving pattern. We here report the typical X-ray and HRCT images of a case of PAM: a rare disease characterized by wide spread sand like intra alveolar calcifications.
Highlights
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare disease of unknown origin in which calcific concretions collect in alveolar spaces
Calcification was seen along the vessels as well as along the interlobular septa
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is an uncommon chronic disease characterized by calcification within the alveoli and paucity of symptoms in contrast to the imaging findings [1]
Summary
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare disease of unknown origin in which calcific concretions collect in alveolar spaces. Chest X-ray revealed a diffuse bilaterally symmetric micronodular sand storm pattern predominantly in the middle and lower lung zones with obliteration of heart borders and the diaphgram (Figure 1). HRCT (High Resolution Computed Tomography) revealed extensive ground glass attenuation with inter and intralobular septal thickening suggestive of crazy paving pattern with multiple calcified nodules predominantly in lower lobes and in sub-pleural location. On the bases of typical X-ray and HRCT findings, diagnosis of PAM was made.
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