Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis; the first reported case in Yemen

ABSTRACT

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a rare, chronic lung disease with unclear etiology and pathogenesis, characterized by deposition of minute calculi in the alveolar spaces throughout both lung parenchyma. There are few clinical signs and almost no laboratory abnormalities, and most patients are asymptomatic at time of diagnosis. No definitive therapy exists and patients with advanced lung disease may benefit from lung transplantation. The authors report the first case of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis in Yemen; A 38-years-old female has complained of dry cough and shortness of breath for more than two months. Her chest radiograph revealed the characteristic sandstorm appearance of diffuse lung micronodular infiltration particularly marked in the mid and lower zones, while the chest computed tomography showed diffuse distribution of micronodular calcific densities most prominent in the middle and lower lung zones with greatest concentration in the subpleural parenchyma and along the broncho-vascular bundles. The corresponding literature was thoroughly reviewed.