Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis: Diagnosis of Probable Case by Examination of Sputum

Abstract

On the basis of examination of sputum, i.e., its microscopic appearance and histochemistry, a tentative or clinical diagnosis of "alveolar proteinosis" has been made in a white man. At the time of writing, the clinical progression of the disease, the studies of pulmonary function, the roent-genographic findings in the lungs, the laboratory data, and the morphologic studies of the sputum are consistent with the diagnosis. It is hoped that this case can be followed closely, in order that validity of the diagnosis and eventual outcome may be ascertained without question. If this is a valid means of laboratory examination, more cases of alveolar proteinosis may be recognized by other observers at a time more suitable for investigation than at autopsy. The technic is simple. Sputum is placed in formalin fixative, and sections are prepared by means of the usual histologic technics. In addition, smears for cytologic study are prepared in the usual manner. In time, more information will be obtained with regard to etiology, pathogenesis, and development of pathologic anatomic changes.