[Characteristic CT findings and pathologic basis of ground glass opacity caused by pulmonary alveolar proteinosis].

OBJECTIVE

To explore characteristic CT findings and pathologic basis of ground glass opacity caused by pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of CT and pathological findings of 24 patients with PAP who were pathologically diagnosed from June 2006 to August 2011.

RESULTS

Findings with CT: the lesions of the 24 patients mainly presented ground glass opacities. Local consolidations were seen in 8 patients. In 23 patients part of ground glass opacities bordered strip-shaped opacities with smooth edges, and there was a clear boundary between them and the bordering normal lung tissues, presenting a geographic appearance. Lesions in the 5 cases were mixed with alveoli or lobule aerocele, which made ground glass opacities present curved edges. Crazy paving pattern was detected in the 24 patients. Microscopically, the alveoli were seen to be filled with floccules proteinaceous material in various quantities in the 24 patients; hemangiectasis and congestion were seen in 17 patients, and enlarged alveolar cavities were seen in 5 patients.

CONCLUSION

PAP usually causes ground glass opacities with clear edges, and different from ground glass opacities with obscure edges caused by other pulmonary diseases. They are relatively specific to the imagining diagnosis to PAP.