Calcified lung tissue. Light micrograph of a section through lung tissue from a patient with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) showing deposits

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Calcified lung tissue. Light micrograph of a section through lung tissue from a patient with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) showing deposits of calcium phosphate (purple) in the alveoli (air sacs). The cause of the deposits, known as microliths, is unknown, although some cases are inherited. It is a rare slow-progressing disease, that is often asymptomatic. However, after many years it can lead to pulmonary fibrosis (scarring), respiratory failure and pulmonary heart disease. There is no treatment. Magnification: x60 when printed at 10 centimetres wide. Human tissue.

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Size: 4828px × 3618px
Photo credit: © STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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