1/7. Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis--report of three cases with pulmonary function and exercise studies.Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a rare disease involving accumulation of calcific concretions in the alveoli of the lungs. Three cases of this disease are reported with their varying and unusual clinical features. Radiologic studies demonstrated presence of diffuse calcific densities in the lungs with varying degrees of emphysematous changes. Bone scans showed diffuse uptake of the tracer in the lungs. Pulmonary functions showed hyperinflation and small airways dysfunction in one case besides the presence of restrictive ventilatory defect. exercise studies demonstrated arterial oxygen desaturation on exercise.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = rare disease (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/7. Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis: case report.Alveolar microlithiasis is a rare disease with only about 150 cases reported in the literature. Although some patients present with progressive respiratory symptoms, the discovery is in most cases an incidental finding on a chest radiograph. The management of the condition has essentially supportive in all reported cases. We describe a case first discovered in 1976 and finally diagnosed in 1985.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = rare disease (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/7. Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis. A case report with a discussion of differential diagnosis.The rare disease of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is characterized by innumerable microscopic stones, mainly of tribasic calcium phosphate, within the pulmonary alveoli. In a 13-year-old boy an earlier radiological examination showed diffuse lung opacity. The main differential diagnoses taken into consideration were sarcoidosis, idiopathic hemosiderosis, diffuse interstitial fibrosis and alveolar proteinosis. The correct diagnosis was made after a lung biopsy which showed intra-alveolar microliths. The radiological findings are in agreement with the reports in the literature. The specific X-ray features of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis are calcified opacities, nodules, hilifugal trabeculations and pleural striae. These radiological signs are sufficiently diagnostic to restrict lung biopsy to particularly difficult cases. The disease is resistant to all therapeutic measures.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = rare disease (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/7. Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis in a Saudi child and two cousins.Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a rare disease and only 32 cases have been reported in children under 12 years of age. The first report on Saudi children with this disorder and on affected cousins is presented, supporting the possible hypothesis of it being an autosomal recessive disorder. The importance of differentiating it from other conditions, particularly pulmonary tuberculosis, and the current approach to diagnosis and management are discussed.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = rare disease (Clic here for more details about this article) |
5/7. Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis with pectus excavatum. Case report.Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a rare disease of unknown etiology. There is a formation of calcific bodies within the alveoli. The X-Ray shows extensive infiltration of both lungs. So far less than 100 cases were reported. However, we are unware of a case with pectus excavatum. In this report we discuss a case of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis with pectus excavatum, and its treatment and medical intervention.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = rare disease (Clic here for more details about this article) |
6/7. hemoptysis and hematemesis due to a broncholith: granulomatous mediastinitis.A 40-year-old man had new onset of hemoptysis and hematemesis. bronchoscopy revealed red, inflamed mucosa with apparent rich blood supply in the left primary bronchus. Computed tomography revealed calcified subcarinal lymph nodes with a small extension into the left primary bronchus. Shortly after admission, the patient had an episode of gastrointestinal bleeding. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a lesion in the posterior wall of the esophagus, 12 cm from the upper incisors. During exploratory thoracotomy, a single piece of irregular-shaped tan tissue measuring 3.5 x 2.5 x 2.0 cm and engulfing the esophagus, carina, and left primary bronchus was dissected. A single stonelike mass, or broncholith, was found to involve both the trachea and the esophagus. Microscopic examination showed multiple caseating granulomas with surrounding lymphoid tissue and germinal centers. During 12 months of follow-up, the patient has remained asymptomatic. The chronic inflammation in this case suggested granulomatous mediastinitis, a rare disease whose mass-like effects may contribute to structural compression. The trachea and esophagus are rarely involved. tuberculosis and histoplasmosis are thought to be the two most common causes of granulomatous mediastinitis. Chronic inflammation leading to calcification and broncholith may invade bronchial lumen or esophageal wall, causing life-threatening hemorrhage and necessitating prompt surgical intervention.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = rare disease (Clic here for more details about this article) |
7/7. Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis associated with calcifications in the seminal vesicles.Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is an inherited disorder of unknown etiology. It is a rare disease characterized by calcified intraalveolar microgranules. Several hypotheses on the etiopathogenesis have been put forward, such as increased intestinal calcium resorption and retention. This case report of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is associated with punctate calcifications in the seminal vesicles.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = rare disease (Clic here for more details about this article) |