pulmonary disorders
Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis
Etiology of Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is most often idiopathic and occurs in otherwise healthy men and women between 30 and 50 years. Rare secondary forms occur in patients with Silicosis None Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia None Hematologic cancers Immunosuppression by medications Significant inhalation exposures to aluminum, titanium, cement, and cellulose dusts Rare congenital forms that cause neonatal respiratory failure also exist. It is unclear whether idiopathic and secondary cases share a common pathophysiology. 