Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis: no longer in the stone age.

ABSTRACT: Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare parenchymal lung disease caused by variants in the SCL34A2 gene and characterised by the accumulation of intra-alveolar microliths. PAM has been reported in fewer than 1100 cases throughout the world. It is an autosomal recessive hereditary disease and often associated with consanguinity. Progress with respect to the genetic background and pathophysiology has resulted in an increased understanding of the disease in recent years. Until now, 30 genetic different SLC34A2 variants have been reported, which all are considered significant for disease development. There is no sex difference and the majority of cases are diagnosed at the age of 30-40 years. Many patients are asymptomatic and the diagnosis is made at random. When symptomatic, dyspno

SUBMITTER: Bendstrup E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7487355 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature