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Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

Definition:

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a rare disease in which a type of protein builds up in the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs, making breathing difficult.

Alternative Names:

Alveolar proteinosis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

In some cases, the cause of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is unknown. In others, it is associated with infection or immune deficiency.

This rare disorder generally affects people 30 - 50 years old and is seen in men more often than in women.

References:

Mason RJ, Broaddus VC, Murray JF, Nadel, JA. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine . 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005.

Presneill JJ, Nakata K, Inoue Y, Seymour JF. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Clin Chest Med . September 2004; 25:593-613.

Tamul PC, Peruzzi WT. Assessment and management of patients with pulmonary disease. Crit Care Med . April 2004; 32:S137-S145.

Respiratory system

Review Date: 3/1/2007
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.

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