Abstract
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disease characterized by the deposition
of extracellular lipoproteinaceous material within the air spaces. Although the diagnosis
is mainly based on histopathological findings, sometimes, the diagnostic yield of
transbronchial and even open lung biopsy can be unsatisfactory. The advantage with
bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology is that apart from being safer for the patient,
it can sample a much wider area and help in giving an early diagnosis and treatment
to the patient. Herein, we present a case of PAP diagnosed on BAL fluid cytology in
an elderly female.
Key words
Alveolar proteinosis - bronchoalveolar lavage - cytomorphology - lung
