Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis: A Rare Cause of Respiratory Failure

Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP) is a rare syndrome in the paediatric age group and characterized by intra-alveolar accumulation of proteinaceous phospholipid-laden material called surfactant. The diagnosis is made by High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) chest which shows characteristic crazy paving appearance and diagnosis confirmed by Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL). We report two cases. First was a 9-month old infant who presented with respiratory distress and peripheral cyanosis since birth. He was diagnosed on High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) chest as a case of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis and broncho-alveolar lavage confirmed his diagnosis. Second case was a 10-year old female child who had a history of repeated chest infections for 5 years and now presented with cough and respiratory distress for 45 days. She was also diagnosed on HRCT chest but unfortunately she died before bronchoalveolar lavage.