Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis
Differential Diagnosis
| Pulmonary edema |
Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis |
| Smooth appearing fluid |
Granular fluid with clumping, clefts |
| Foamy macrophages not prominent |
Prominent foamy macrophages |
| Fluid PAS/d negative |
Fluid PAS/d positive |
| Anti-GMCSF serology negative |
Anti-GMCSF serology positive |
| Pneumocystis Pneumonia |
Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis |
| Bubbly appearing fluid |
Granular fluid with clumping, clefts |
| Pneumocystis stains positive |
Pneumocystis stains negative |
| Foamy macrophages not prominent |
Prominent foamy macrophages |
| Fluid PAS/d negative |
Fluid PAS/d positive |
| Anti-GMCSF serology negative |
Anti-GMCSF serology positive |
Infection may be primary or secondary
| Atypical Mycobacteria Pneumonia |
Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis |
| Alveolar macrophages more prominent than fluid |
Prominent fluid with occasional macrophages |
| Mycobacterial stains positive |
Mycobacterial stains negative |
| Anti-GMCSF serology negative |
Anti-GMCSF serology positive |
Infection may be primary or secondary
