PHYSIOLOGIC AND CLINICAL ASPECTS OF PULMONARY ALVEOLAR PROTEINOSIS

Abstract

The physiological findings in alveolar proteinosis are primarily those associated with the alveolo-capillary block syndrome. They include the following: restriction of lung volume, hyperventilation which becomes excessive on exercise, arterial unsaturation which is also greatly exaggerated by effort, and an increase in the alveolo-arterial O2 gradients. The residual is normal and ventilatory ability is unimpaired. The arterial unsaturation which is present is in part due to the impaired diffusion of O2 through swollen alveolar septal cells, and in part the result of the perfusion of alveoli which are filled with proteinaceous material.