Description : Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a rare disease characterized by the deposition
of calcium phosphate microliths throughout the lungs (Corut et al., 2006). Most patients
are asymptomatic for several years or even for decades, and, generally, the diagnosis
is incidental to clinical investigations unrelated to the specific disorder. Cases
with early onset or rapid progression are rare. A 'sandstorm-appearing' chest roentgenogram
is a typical diagnostic finding. The onset of this potentially lethal disease varies
from the neonatal period to old age, and the disease follows a long-term progressive
course, resulting in a slow deterioration of lung functions. About one-third of the
reported cases are said to be familial.;
Inheritance : Autosomal recessive;
Molecular basis : Caused by mutation in the solute carrier family 34 (sodium/phosphate cotransporter),
member 2 gene (SLC34A2, 604217.0001);