Abstract
We present a case of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) initially diagnosed 28 months
after left single-lung transplantation for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The diagnosis
was based upon the presence of periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive and surfactant
immunostain–positive acellular lipoproteinaceous material within alveoli seen on transbronchial
biopsy as well as in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The patient eventually also displayed
a characteristic “crazy paving” pattern on radiographic imaging. Granulocyte macrophage-colony
stimulating factor antibodies were negative, consistent with secondary PAP. PAP is
a rare interstitial lung disease with only a few reported cases occurring after lung
transplantation. The etiology is thought to be related to a defect in macrophage function
caused by immunosuppression. Reduced immunosuppression has been associated with stabilization,
but not reversal, of the condition in the case reported here. PAP is an exceptionally
rare cause of dyspnea and radiographic infiltrates after lung transplantation and
may be related to toxicity of immune-suppressive medications.
Keywords
lung transplantation - pulmonary alveolar proteinosis - interstitial lung disease
- immunosuppression