Treatment and follow-up of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis with disodium editronate: radiological demonstration

Ozcelik U., Gulsun M., Gocmen A., Ariyurek M., Kiper N., Anadol D., ...More

PEDIATRIC RADIOLOGY, vol.32, no.5, pp.380-383, 2002 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 32 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2002
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00247-001-0651-x
  • Journal Name: PEDIATRIC RADIOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.380-383
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

A 9-year-old girl with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is presented. She was asymptomatic except for failure to thrive. Plain chest radiographs on admission showed sand-like opacities with calcific densities throughout both lung fields. predominantly in the lower zones. A black pleural line was also seen between the ribs and lung parenchyma. High-resolution CT (HRCT) revealed diffuse ground-glass opacities throughout both lungs, micronodular densities. interlobular septal thickening, linear calcifications along the pleura and a few scattered subpleural cysts. Disodium editronate. which is known to inhibit the microcrystal growth of hydroxyapatite, was started at 10 mg/kg per day orally. After 1 year of therapy, considerable regression of the calcific densities was detected on chest radiographs and HRCT scans.