Causes

In some cases, the cause of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is unknown. In others, it occurs with lung infection or an immune problem. It also can occur with cancers of the blood system, and after exposure to high levels of environmental substances, such as silica or aluminum dust.

This rare disorder generally affects people ages 30 - 50 and is seen in men more often than in women. A form of the disorder is present at birth (congenital).

Symptoms

• Cough
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss

There may be no symptoms.

Exams and Tests

The doctor may hear crackles ("rales") in the lungs. Often, the physical examination is normal.

The following tests may be done:

• Bronchoscopy with saline wash of the lungs (lavage)
• Chest x-ray
• High-resolution CT scan of the chest
• Pulmonary function tests
• Open lung biopsy (surgical biopsy)

Treatment

Treatment involves washing out the protein substance from the lung (whole-lung lavage) from time to time. Certain patients with this disease may need to have a lung transplant.

Research has shown some benefit to an experimental treatment that uses a blood-stimulating medication called granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), which is known to be lacking in some patients with alveolar proteinosis.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Some people with this condition go into remission. Others have respiratory failure that gets worse, and they may need a lung transplant. Up to 25% of people with this condition die within 5 years of being diagnosed.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you develop serious breathing symptoms. Shortness of breath that gets worse over time may signal that your condition is developing into a more serious medical emergency.

Alternative Names

Alveolar proteinosis; Pulmonary alveolar phospholipoproteinosis

References

Levine SM. Alveolar filling disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 91.

Trapnell BC, Nakata K, Kavuru MS. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis syndrome. In: Mason RJ, Broaddus VC, Martin TR, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 63.

Update Date: 4/10/2012

Reviewed by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.