Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis:a report of 3 cases with literature review

Objective To summarize and analyze the clinical manifestations of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis(PAP) and its diagnosis and treatment.Methods Clinical data of 3 cases were analyzed,and the literatures were reviewed.Results PAP presented few clinical physical signs,distinct chest radiography,and was a benign process.It was manifested as primary or secondary pathological changes,cough,sputum,shortness of breath more common,but few signs of typical chest CT scan showed "map" or "cobble stone" changes.Conclusion Clinically,PAP was characterized by its incompatibility between symptoms and signs,and also radiographic picture and physical signs.The examination of brochoalveolar lavage fluid could be used to confirm the diagnosis of PAP with periodic acid schiff staining.Whole lung lavage was an efficient therapy for PAP.It is very important for physicians to pay more attention to the early diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.