International Journal of Clinical & Medical Images

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a rare lung disorder of unknown etiology characterized by alveolar filling with floccular material which derived from surfactant phospholipids and protein components. The clinical course is variable, ranging from spontaneous resolution to respiratory failure. Whole lung lavage is the only effective therapy, and the criteria for its realization symptomatic relief and significant hypoxemia. This is a complex and costly therapeutic procedure, which involves close collaboration between Anesthesiology and Pneumology, and it is performed in our institution since May 2010.

Corresponding author
I Neves, C Fiuza and A Morais
Porto University
Centro Hospitalar de Sao Joao
Portugal