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Lee, Kang, Min, Park, Kim, Chung, and Park: A Case of Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis
Case Report
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases

Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2011; 71(1): 55-58.

Published online: 31 July 2011

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2011.71.1.55

A Case of Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis

Bu Hyun Lee, M.D.1, Byung Soo Kang, M.D.1, Joo-Won Min, M.D.1, Sang Joon Park, M.D.1, Tae Ho Kim, M.D.1, Jae Ho Chung, M.D.1, Chan Sub Park, M.D.2

1Department of Internal Medicine, Myongji Hospital, Kwandong University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea.

2Department of Radiology, Myongji Hospital, Kwandong University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea.

Address for correspondence: Jae Ho Chung, M.D. Department of Internal Medicine, Myongji Hospital, Kwandong University College of Medicine, 697-24, Hwajeong-dong, Deokyang-gu, Goyang 412-270, Korea. Phone: 82-31-810-5412, Fax: 82-31-969-0500, pulmochung@kwandong.ac.kr

Received 19 April 2011       Accepted 20 May 2011

Copyright © 2011. The Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a rare disease of unknown etiology that is characterized by the presence of calcific concentrations in the alveolar spaces. The radiographic appearance is pathognomonic. Plain chest radiographs show a white lung or sandstorm lung consisting of fine sand like microcalcifications diffusely scattered throughout both lungs with a higher density at the lung bases. We now report the case of a 67-year-old male whose diagnosis was based on characteristic findings on a chest X-ray and a high-resolution computed tomography scan.

Keywords: Calculi, Pulmonary Alveoli

Figures and Tables

Figure 1
Chest radiographs showed widespread small nodules, diffusely involving both the lungs, and commonly described as "sand storm-like". At admission (C), nodules were much increased compare to previous X-rays (A, B).
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Figure 2
High-resolution computed tomography revealed bilateral pleural effusions and diffusely distributed calcified micronodules.
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