Jw. Mcdonald et al., Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in association with household exposure to fibrous insulation material, CHEST, 117(6), 2000, pp. 1813-1817
Citations number
7
Categorie Soggetti
Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems","Cardiovascular & Hematology Research
We report the case of a 35-year-old. woman who developed pulmonary alveolar
proteinosis requiring multiple lavage treatments, in association with hous
ehold exposure to ventilation system dust comprised at least partially by a
cellulose fire-resistant fibrous insulation material. Scanning electron mi
croscopy with energy-dispersive x-ray analysis documented the presence of s
pectral peaks consistent with the insulation material in transbronchial bio
psy tissue. The patient showed symptomatic improvement once exposure to the
insulation material had ceased. We believe that this case demonstrates an
unusual association with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. This case emphasiz
es the broad differential diagnosis for this histologic injury pattern and
the need to thoroughly investigate environmental exposures in patients with
unexplained pulmonary disease.