Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis in Moroccan Child: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare but not uncommon disease; it showed worldwide distribution either familial or sporadic, the most reported cases in Europe, especially in Turkey. The presence of round shaped little bodies containing concentric calcareous lamellas in pulmonary alveolus is the hallmark of the disease. With this study, we report a case of PAM in moroccan child, who complained of class 2 exertional dyspnoea with no significant personal or family history. On physical examination, there was no evidence of clubbing or cyanosis of the extremities. On auscultation, fine crackles were present bilaterally. Chest X-ray showed innumerable small dense nodules diffusely involving both lungs. High resolution CT scan showed extensive micro nodules, areas of diffuse ground glass attenuation, septal thickening and in some cases black pleural lines. The diagnosis confirmed by opened right lung biopsy and Broncho alveolar lavage, biopsy showed numerous lamellar (Calculi).