Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Respiratory system

Alveolar proteinosis

• Cough
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Fever

The doctor may hear crackles in the lungs. Often, the physical examination is normal.

Tests may reveal the following problems:

• Chest x-ray may show dense shadows similar to fluid build-up in the lungs ( pulmonary edema ).
• Arterial blood gases test may reveal low oxygen levels in the blood.
• Pulmonary function tests may show restrictive lung disease and abnormal diffusion.
• High-resolution CT scan of the chest may show dense infiltrates in both lungs.
• Bronchoscopy with saline wash of the lungs (lavage) may show a milky fluid.

Review Date: 03/01/2007
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.