Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis presenting with crazy-paving pattern on high resolution CT

Br J Radiol. 2004 Nov;77(923):974-6. doi: 10.1259/bjr/96331922.

Abstract

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is an uncommon chronic disease characterized by calcifications within the alveoli and a paucity of symptoms in contrast to the imaging findings. We present a 59-year-old woman with a 4-year history of shortness of breath on exertion. Lung auscultation revealed random wheezes and fine and coarse crackles. Pulmonary function tests showed a restrictive pattern. The chest radiograph demonstrated a bilateral symmetric micronodular pattern. High resolution CT scan revealed diffuse ground-glass attenuation with superimposed septal thickening ("crazy-paving" pattern). The patient underwent a lung biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis of PAM. Our case demonstrates that PAM needs to be considerate in the differential diagnosis of lung lesions that present with crazy-paving pattern on the high resolution CT.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Calculi / diagnostic imaging*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*