Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: A correlation of pathological and physiological findings in a patient followed up with serial biopsies of the lung

Abstract

A case of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis followed up with serial biopsies of the lung performed over a two and a half year period is presented. Extensive pulmonary function studies during that period are included, with a correlation of the pathological and physiological findings. The patient at the peak of his illness exhibited marked pulmonary insufficiency due both to alveolar-capillary block and increased venous admixture. The pathological, physiological and roentgenographic findings have shown a marked improvement over a two and a half year period. This has been accompanied by progressive improvement in his clinical status to the point that he is now symptom-free. The ultimate prognosis must remain guarded, however, because of the obscure etiology of the disease and our present lack of knowledge as to its course.