Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis associated with psoriasis and complicated by mycobacterial infection: successful treatment with granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor after a partial response to whole lung lavage

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare lung disease. Although whole lung lavage is considered the most effective treatment, not every patient shows a complete response. The case ofa young man with PAP in association with psoriasis who underwent frequent whole lung lavage but only achieved remission following treatment with granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is reported. His lung problem was complicated by atypical mycobacterial infection,which resolved with treatment. The role of GM-CSF is discussed.