Surgical Pathology Criteria

Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis

Differential Diagnosis

Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis Pulmonary Blue Bodies
Most are 250-750 microns Most are 15-40 microns
Most alveoli filled Usually few and scattered, alveoli not filled
Autosomal recessive Many cases associated with pneumoconiosis or interstitial lung disease


Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis Pulmonary Corpora Amylacea
Calcified Not calcified
Most alveoli filled Usually scattered, alveoli not filled
Autosomal recessive, mean age of symptoms 30 years Increased numbers with aging, asymptomatic


Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis Metastatic Calcification
Restricted to alveolar air spaces May involve air spaces, interstitium, bronchial walls
Spherical and laminated Irregular calcification
Autosomal recessive Associated with renal failure, parathyroid carcinoma


Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis Heterotopic Ossification
Restricted to alveolar air spaces Interstitial
Spherical and laminated Lamellar spicules of bone
No cellular component Osteocytes in lacunae
Autosomal recessive Associated with prior inflammation

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