Comparative study of multislice spiral CT findings and pathological results in patients with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
【Abstract】 Objective To analyze the features of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis(PAP) in multislice spiral CT(MSCT) examinations.Methods The MSCT appearances of PAP in 6 patients proved by pathology were evaluated and compared with their pathological results.Results All the 6 patients with PAP presented ground-glass opacities with well-defined margins on MSCT'creating “geographic” pattern'reflected the effusion of proteinaceous material within the alveoli in PAP.Thickened interlobular septa'looking as the “crazy-paving”'was found in 4 cases in high-resolution CT(HRCT)'correspondence with edema and lymphocyte exudation in interlobular septa in pathological findings.No mediastinal and hilar adenopathy was found.Conclusion The characteristic appearances of PAP on MSCT correspond to its pathological features.The “crazy paving” sign in geographical areas of pulmonary opacification greatly suggests PAP diagnosis.