Report of Two Cases of Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis after Exposure to Mustard Gas

Rajabi, MA

Report of Two Cases of Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis after Exposure to Mustard Gas

Document Type : Case Report

Author

MA Rajabi

Associate Professor of General Surgery, Esfahan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Al-Zahra Hospital, Esfahan, Iran

Abstract

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare disease of unknown etiology and pathogenesis. This disorder is characterized by intra-alveolar development and the deposition of microliths or calcispherites containing calcium phosphate. In approximately half of the reported cases a familial connection has been found. The lung tissue is hardened progressively leading to the deterioration of pulmonary hypertension and the occurrence of cor-pulmonale. Pulmonary fibrosis is also observed in association with PAM. Some authors have suggested that PAM may be a peculiar exudative response to a variety of hurts including pneumonia and rheumatic fever. We report tow cases that manifested PAM. Their pulmonary disease began after exposure to mustard gas in Iraq-Iran war. Our patients did not have any positive familial history of the disease. The diagnosis of microlithiasis was confirmed by chest X-Ray and lung biopsy. This disease does not have any definitive treatment, but lung transplantation procedure is carried out for end stage lung disease.

Keywords

Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis

Mustard Gas

Rare Diseases