Abnormal Alveolar Macrophage Morphology C5397976
A finding where lung immune cells called macrophages have abnormal appearance. This may occur with lung diseases and is evaluated through imaging and sometimes biopsy. Treatment depends on the underlying condition.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- J98.9
- ICD-11
- CA00.0
- Body system
- respiratory
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Hemoptysis
Coughing up blood or blood-tinged mucus from the respiratory tract.
Seek immediate medical attention if coughing up blood.
Chronic cough
(respiratory)A persistent cough that may produce sputum or mucus, often lasting several weeks or months.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Dyspnea
(respiratory)Shortness of breath that may occur during physical activity or at rest in advanced cases.
Frequency: 60-70% of patients
Chest discomfort
(respiratory)Dull ache or pressure in the chest that may worsen with deep breathing or coughing.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Fatigue
(constitutional)Persistent tiredness and lack of energy that interferes with daily activities.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Low-grade fever
(constitutional)Mild elevation in body temperature, typically between 99-101°F (37-38°C).
Frequency: 30-40% of patients
Abnormal breath sounds
(respiratory)Crackles, rales, or wheezes heard during lung auscultation with a stethoscope.
Frequency: 50-60% of patients
Unintentional weight loss
(constitutional)Significant weight loss without changes in diet or exercise habits.
Frequency: 15-20% of patients
Increased susceptibility to infections
(respiratory)Frequent respiratory infections that may be prolonged or recurrent.
Frequency: 35-45% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) therapy
GM-CSF replacement therapy helps restore normal alveolar macrophage function in pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Treatment is typically administered via inhalation or subcutaneous injection to stimulate macrophage proliferation and clearance of surfactant proteins.
Respiratory therapy and management
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Whole lung lavage
Therapeutic bronchoscopy procedure where the lung is filled with saline solution to wash out accumulated surfactant and dysfunctional macrophages. This is a specialized procedure performed under general anesthesia in major medical centers.
Additional treatment options
Smoking cessation program
Comprehensive smoking cessation including behavioral counseling and nicotine replacement therapy. Smoking directly damages alveolar macrophages and worsens morphology abnormalities.
lifestyleSerial pulmonary function testing
Regular monitoring of lung function through spirometry, DLCO testing, and 6-minute walk tests to track disease progression and treatment response.
monitoringPulmonary rehabilitation program
Supervised exercise training combined with education about lung health to improve respiratory muscle strength and overall endurance in patients with alveolar abnormalities.
complementaryWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Alveolar Macrophage Morphology C5397976?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Trapnell BC, Nakata K, Bonella F, et al. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2019;5(1):16.
Murray PJ, Allen JE, Biswas SK, et al. Macrophage activation and polarization: nomenclature and experimental guidelines. Immunity. 2014;41(1):14-20.
Raghu G, Remy-Jardin M, Myers JL, et al. Diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. An Official ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT Clinical Practice Guideline. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2018;198(5):e44-e68.
Gauthier J, Mhanna L, Dutil G. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: clinical features and outcomes. Respir Med Case Rep. 2021;33:101398.
Zhang K, Zhan X, Zeng Z, et al. Alveolar macrophage phenotypes in COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Respir Res. 2022;23(1):310.
Trapnell BC, Carey BC, Uchida K, Suzuki T. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, a primary immunodeficiency of macrophage function? N Engl J Med. 2009;361(19):1869-1881.
Khalil W, Kheir F, Gochuico BR. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: translational insights from bench to bedside. Eur Respir Rev. 2021;30(161):200339.
Mason RJ, Broaddus VC, Martin TR, et al. Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2022.
Cottin V, Hirani NA, Hotchkin DL, et al. Presentation, diagnosis and clinical course of the spectrum of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. An ERC consensus statement. Thorax. 2020;75(7):624-634.
Kaku Y, Imaoka H, Morimatsu Y, et al. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cellular analysis in interstitial lung diseases. Respir Investig. 2020;58(4):263-270.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy