Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis

Abstract

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare genetic pulmonary disease associated with the accumulation of abnormal material in the alveoli. It is characterized by the presence of numerous tiny calculi (calcospherites) within the alveoli. More than 1,000 cases of the disease have been reported so far. Due to the low prevalence of this disease, no clear recommendations for diagnosis and treatment are available. This paper gives an overview of diagnostic and therapeutic options.