SUCCESSFUL DIAGNOSIS OF PULMONARY ALVEOLAR MICROLITHIASIS BY A NEW MODALITY

Authors

  • admin pjmd
  • Ashok Kumar Deparment of Pulmonolgy, Ziauddin University, Karachi
  • Maria Malik Deparment of Pulmonolgy, Ziauddin University, Karachi
  • Mehroze Rehman Department of Pulmonolgy, Ziauddin University, Karachi
  • Waliya Badar Hossain Deparment of Pulmonolgy, Ziauddin University, Karachi
  • Rubaab Majida Mohammed Department of Pulmonolgy, Ziauddin University, Karachi
  • Nadeem Rizvi Deparment of Pulmonolgy, Ziauddin University

Abstract

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a rare disease with an almost unheard of pathogenesis. With very few cases to document worldwide, predominantly being discovered in Turkey, Italy, and America, it has been nearly impossible to determine a concrete etiology. However, one standout biochemical finding most cases of PAM have in common is a mutation in the SLC34A2 gene coding for the sodium-phosphate cotransporter found in Type II alveolar cells. This cotransporter is responsible for maintaining equilibrium of phosphorus which is a vital component of surfactant. Diagnostic exploration is achieved via radiological imaging, bronchoalveolar lavage and above all, transbronchial lung biopsy. However, in this particular case, due to the patient’s hypoxic condition, Technetium 99m diphosphonate scanning was employed in place of the biopsy. A non-invasive procedure, technetium 99m can detect extensive pulmonary uptake, hereby diagnosing the patient and protect against the physical damage and accompanying side effects inflicted upon the patient by various invasive procedures. In future, to avoid wastage of resources, the use of technetium 99m diphosphonate scanning should be more prevalent in the diagnosis process of PAM.

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Published

2019-04-04

How to Cite

pjmd, admin, Kumar, A., Malik, M., Rehman, M., Hossain, W. B., Mohammed, R. M., & Rizvi, N. (2019). SUCCESSFUL DIAGNOSIS OF PULMONARY ALVEOLAR MICROLITHIASIS BY A NEW MODALITY. Pakistan Journal of Medicine and Dentistry, 8(1), 4. Retrieved from http://ojs.zu.edu.pk/ojs/index.php/pjmd/article/view/129

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Section

Case Report

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