---
description: Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disease characterised by impaired surfactant metabolism that leads to accumulation of an amorphous. 
title: Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
image: https://ogcdn.net/9d266224-4307-4b9d-b73f-00c1bdbd4759/v11/Pulmonary%20alveolar%20proteinosis/rgba(188%2C%2049%2C%20123%2C%201)/https%3A%2F%2Fopengraph.b-cdn.net%2Fproduction%2Fimages%2F2ed46913-f157-43c3-9418-19fea49af16c.png%3Ftoken%3DUl4O1QAtXTaMUjOfpBooUL-C8jajM-YwYFPrjCtr6ms%26height%3D1080%26width%3D1080%26expires%3D33315971423/og.png
---

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* Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

# Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

Peer reviewed by [Dr Doug McKechnie, MRCGP](https://patient.info/authors/dr-doug-mckechnie)Last updated by Dr Rachel Hudson, MRCGPLast updated 29 Sept 2023

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Medical Professionals

Professional Reference articles are designed for health professionals to use. They are written by UK doctors and based on research evidence, UK and European Guidelines. You may find one of our [health articles](https://patient.info/health) more useful.

## What is pulmonary alveolar proteinosis?

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disease characterised by impaired surfactant metabolism that leads to accumulation of an amorphous, largely cell-free, lipoproteinaceous material in the alveoli.[1](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-1 "Khan A, Agarwal R; Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis. Respir Care. 2011 Apr 15.") The lungs become stiff with restricted ventilatory function. Secondary infection may occur. Two forms are recognised:[2](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-2 "Olade RB et al, Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis, Medscape, Mar 2011") 

* Primary: idiopathic.
* Secondary: due to lung infections, haematological malignancies, inhalation of mineral dusts (eg, silica, titanium oxide, aluminium) and insecticides.

It is thought that impairment of surfactant clearance by alveolar macrophages, by autoantibody inhibition of the action of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), may underlie many acquired cases, whereas congenital disease is most commonly attributable to mutations in surfactant protein genes, but may also be caused by GM-CSF receptor defects. Therapy with GM-CSF has shown promise in acquired cases of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.[3](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-3 "Seymour JF, Presneill JJ; Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: progress in the first 44 years. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2002 Jul 15;166(2):215-35.") 

## How common is pulmonary alveolar proteinosis? (Epidemiology)

* The estimated prevalence is 1 case per 100,000 population.[2](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-2 "Olade RB et al, Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis, Medscape, Mar 2011") Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is probably underdiagnosed.
* It is more common in males than females and typically presents in those aged 20-50 years.[2](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-2 "Olade RB et al, Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis, Medscape, Mar 2011")
* Incidence is increased in patients with haematological malignancies and [AIDS](https://patient.info/doctor/haematology/acquired-immune-deficiency-syndrome-aids), suggesting a relationship with immune dysfunction.

## Causes of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

Causes include:[2](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-2 "Olade RB et al, Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis, Medscape, Mar 2011") 

* Inhalation of silica dust.
* Exposure to insecticides, aluminium dust, titanium dioxide and other inorganic dusts.
* Haematological malignancies.
* [HIV infection](https://patient.info/doctor/paediatrics/human-immunodeficiency-virus-hiv).

## Symptoms of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (presentation)

See also separate article [Respiratory System History and Examination](https://patient.info/doctor/history-examination/respiratory-system-history-and-examination).  
  
 Usually presents at age 20-50 years, with a gradual onset of nonspecific [dyspnoea](https://patient.info/doctor/history-examination/breathlessness) or dyspnoea on exertion and persistent dry [cough](https://patient.info/doctor/history-examination/chronic-persistent-cough-in-adults-pro).[4](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-4 "Das M, Salzman GA; Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: an overview for internists and hospital Hosp Pract (Minneap). 2010 Feb;38(1):43-9.") As many as 30% of patients are asymptomatic, even with diffuse [CXR](https://patient.info/doctor/investigations/chest-x-ray-systematic-approach) abnormalities. Symptoms Include:[2](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-2 "Olade RB et al, Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis, Medscape, Mar 2011") 

* Persistent dry cough (or scant sputum production); [haemoptysis](https://patient.info/doctor/history-examination/haemoptysis) is rare.
* Progressive dyspnoea.
* Fatigue and malaise.
* Weight loss.
* Intermittent low-grade fever and/or [night sweats](https://patient.info/doctor/history-examination/fever-and-night-sweats-pro).
* Pleuritic chest pain.

Signs are usually nonspecific and include:[2](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-2 "Olade RB et al, Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis, Medscape, Mar 2011") 

* Fine end-inspiratory crackles.
* [Clubbing](https://patient.info/doctor/dermatology/clubbing).
* [Cyanosis.](https://patient.info/doctor/history-examination/cyanosis)

## Differential diagnosis

Any cause of increasing dyspnoea but particularly:[2](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-2 "Olade RB et al, Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis, Medscape, Mar 2011") 

* Hypersensitivity [pneumonitis](https://patient.info/doctor/emergency-medicine/pneumonitis).
* [_Pneumocystis jirovecii_](https://patient.info/doctor/infectious-disease/pneumocystis-jirovecii-pneumonia) pneumonia.
* [Pulmonary oedema](https://patient.info/doctor/cardiovascular-disease/acute-pulmonary-oedema).
* Sarcoidosis.
* Acute (adult) respiratory distress syndrome.

## Diagnosing pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (investigations)[2](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-2 "Olade RB et al, Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis, Medscape, Mar 2011") 

* Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is usually elevated.
* CXR: bilateral perihilar infiltrates with consolidation. Changes progress into a diffuse reticulogranular pattern.
* Flexible bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage: alveolar secretions are PAS-positive but contain no organisms or any excessive cellular response.
* High-resolution CT scan of the chest: patchy ground-glass opacification with interlobular thickening (crazy-paving appearance).[1](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-1 "Khan A, Agarwal R; Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis. Respir Care. 2011 Apr 15.") Appearance is similar to that seen in lipoid pneumonia, [sarcoidosis](https://patient.info/doctor/multisystem-diseases/sarcoidosis-pro) and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
* Lung biopsies: definitive diagnosis requires lung biopsy that typically shows partial or complete filling of alveoli with PAS-positive granular and eosinophilic material with preserved alveolar architecture.[1](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-1 "Khan A, Agarwal R; Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis. Respir Care. 2011 Apr 15.")

Adults affected by pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) have circulating neutralising anti-granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (anti-GM-CSF) antibodies. More effective diagnostic tests (eg, anti-GM-CSF antibodies) are under investigation.[5](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-5 "Huizar I, Kavuru MS; Alveolar proteinosis syndrome: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2009 Sep;15(5):491-8.") 

## Management of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

Patients with minimal symptoms require only symptomatic treatment but patients with hypoxaemia require more aggressive management.[1](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-1 "Khan A, Agarwal R; Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis. Respir Care. 2011 Apr 15.") 

* Appropriate treatment of any underlying cause.
* Mechanical removal of the lipoproteinaceous material by whole-lung lavage (WLL), which is the most widely accepted form of therapy for symptomatic pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP):[1](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-1 "Khan A, Agarwal R; Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis. Respir Care. 2011 Apr 15.") [6](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-6 "Ioachimescu OC, Kavuru MS; Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Chron Respir Dis. 2006;3(3):149-59.")  

  * This is performed under general anaesthesia. The lung is ventilated briefly with 100% oxygen before lavage with isotonic sodium chloride solution.
  * Lung lavage may take several hours.
  * WLL is usually very effective but repeated lavages are usually necessary.
* Correction of functional granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) deficiency with exogenous GM-CSF has emerged as an alternative therapy.[1](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-1 "Khan A, Agarwal R; Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis. Respir Care. 2011 Apr 15.")
* Lung transplantation for patients with congenital PAP and adult patients with end-stage interstitial fibrosis and [cor pulmonale](https://patient.info/doctor/cardiovascular-disease/cor-pulmonale).[2](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-2 "Olade RB et al, Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis, Medscape, Mar 2011")
* In the past, patients have also been treated with systemic steroids and aerosol mucolytics, but without much success.

## Complications of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

* Lung infections: often [_Nocardia asteroides_](https://patient.info/doctor/dermatology/nocardia), _Pneumocystis jirovecii_, or _Mycobacterium avium_.
* [Pulmonary fibrosis](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-fibrosis).
* [Pulmonary hypertension](https://patient.info/doctor/cardiovascular-disease/pulmonary-hypertension-pro).
* Cor pulmonale.

## Prognosis

* In a third of patients, no appreciable disability develops and the disease remits spontaneously or fails to progress. The natural history depends on the underlying aetiology.
* Estimates of 5-year mortality rates vary between 10% and 30%.[2](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-2 "Olade RB et al, Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis, Medscape, Mar 2011")
* Whole-lung lavage (WLL) often produces a dramatic response but recurrences are common and require repeated lavages.
* Lung transplantation for congenital pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) often has a good outcome.

## Prevention of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

Patients with alveolar proteinosis related to inhalation of inorganic dusts or insecticides should avoid further exposure.[2](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm#ref-2 "Olade RB et al, Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis, Medscape, Mar 2011") 

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###  Further reading and references 

* [Trapnell BC, Nakata K, Bonella F, et al](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list%5Fuids=30846703); Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2019 Mar 7;5(1):16\. doi: 10.1038/s41572-019-0066-3.
1. [Khan A, Agarwal R](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list%5Fuids=21496372); Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis. Respir Care. 2011 Apr 15.
2. Olade RB et al, Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis, Medscape, Mar 2011
3. [Seymour JF, Presneill JJ](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list%5Fuids=12119235); Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: progress in the first 44 years. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2002 Jul 15;166(2):215-35.
4. [Das M, Salzman GA](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list%5Fuids=20469623); Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: an overview for internists and hospital Hosp Pract (Minneap). 2010 Feb;38(1):43-9.
5. [Huizar I, Kavuru MS](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list%5Fuids=19561506); Alveolar proteinosis syndrome: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2009 Sep;15(5):491-8.
6. [Ioachimescu OC, Kavuru MS](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list%5Fuids=16916009); Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Chron Respir Dis. 2006;3(3):149-59.

### About the author[View full bio](https://patient.info/authors/dr-rachel-hudson)

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#### Dr Rachel Hudson, MRCGP

##### General Practitioner and Medical Author

MBChB, MRCGP (2008), BSc (Medical Science), DFSRH, DRCOG, DCH

Dr Rachel Hudson, is an NHS GP working in the North West of England.

### About the reviewer[View full bio](https://patient.info/authors/dr-doug-mckechnie)

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#### Dr Doug McKechnie, MRCGP

##### Medical Writer

MA, MBBS, MSc, DRCOG, MRCP(UK), MRCGP(2021), FHEA

Dr Doug McKechnie is an NHS GP working in London. He works full-time clinically and is also the Deputy Lead for the Clinical and Professional Practice module at University College London Medical School.

## Article history

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Article also available in [English](https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm), [German](https://de.patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm), [Spanish](https://es.patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm), [French](https://fr.patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm), [Italian](https://it.patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm), [Portuguese](https://pt.patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm), [Hindi](https://hi.patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm), [Hebrew](https://he.patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm), [Arabic](https://ar.patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm), and [Swedish](https://sv.patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/pulmonary-alveolar-proteinosis.htm).

* ###### Next review due: 27 Sept 2028
* ###### 29 Sept 2023 | Latest version  
Last updated by  
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