PULMONARY MICROLITHIASIS - REPORT OF 2 CASES

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare disease characterize d by widespread localization of calcispherites in the alveolar spaces, The patients are symptomless for a long time. Nevertheless, this dise ase slowly develops into pulmonary fibrosis and cardiac failure, The c hest X-rays and high-resolution computed tomography strongly point tow ards a diagnosis of PAM. As for therapeutic approaches, repeated bronc ho-alveolar lavages (BAL) have been performed with improvement of symp toms but without recovery, and a new oral drug treatment is still unde r way. We report 2 familial cases of PAM. Both patients underwent ches t X-ray examination showing diffuse bilateral micronodular opacities o f calcific density, After 5 years, in May 1993, one of them developed exertional dyspnoea, cyanosis, dry cough and was admitted to our Divis ion. Cardiokinetic and diuretic drugs as well as oxygen were administe red with satisfactory results, Then repeated BAL were performed. The c hest X-ray after 6 months of sodium etidronate (300 mg t.i.d.) adminis tration was unchanged.