Lung transplantation for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: a case report and literature review

Objective: To observe the efficacy of lung transplantation for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) patients and to improve the understanding of the therapy.

Methods: The clinical data of a patient with autoimmune PAP treated with sequential homogenous bilateral lung transplantation were described and the literatures were reviewed.

Results: This 55-year-old female patient was diagnosed with autoimmune PAP and had been treated with whole lung lavage for 19 times, but only achieved short-term symptomatic relief after each operation. Inhalation of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor occurred allergic reactions. Lung transplantation was performed on February 15, 2022, and a significant improvement in oxygenation and clinical symptoms were observed. The patient remained stable during follow-up.

Conclusion: Treatment with lung transplantation is safe and effective for end-stage patients with PAP in the early phase, but the long-term effect remains to be observed.