Case Report: Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis and fibrosis associated with indium-tin-oxide exposure - Takeaways - MDSpire

Case Report: Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis and fibrosis associated with indium-tin-oxide exposure

  • By

  • Xinyao Li

  • Chuan Shi

  • Qiaoling Chen

  • Jiapeng Zhao

  • Suxia Wang

  • Yunhong Yin

  • Ruie Feng

  • Xinlun Tian

  • Kai-Feng Xu

  • May 18, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disorder marked by surfactant accumulation and alveolar macrophage dysfunction.

  • 2

    Indium-tin-oxide (ITO) exposure in workers can lead to secondary PAP and subsequent pulmonary fibrosis.

  • 3

    A 35-year-old male solar panel worker developed PAP after significant ITO exposure, confirmed by bronchoalveolar lavage.

  • 4

    Despite undergoing whole-lung lavage, the patient's lung function declined, and nintedanib treatment was ineffective.

  • 5

    Protective measures are essential for workers exposed to ITO, as lung diseases from this exposure have poor prognoses.

Original Source(s)

Case Report: Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis and fibrosis associated with indium-tin-oxide exposure

  • by Xinyao Li, Chuan Shi, Qiaoling Chen, Jiapeng Zhao, Suxia Wang, Yunhong Yin, Ruie Feng, Xinlun Tian, Kai-Feng Xu

  • May 18, 2026

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