pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

A lung disease that is characterized by abnormal accumulation of surfactant occurs within the alveoli, interfering with gas exchange.

Signs and symptoms

• Intraalveolar phospholipid accumulation
• Failure to thrive
• Ground-glass opacification
• Decreased DLCO
• Type II pneumocyte hyperplasia
• Absent bronchoalveolar surfactant-protein C
• Respiratory failure
• Recurrent pneumonia
• Cystic pattern on pulmonary HRCT
• Hypoxemia