1.First successful whole lung lavage for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in Mongolia: A Case Report
Amartuvshin G ; ; Altanzul L ; Ichinnorov D ; ; Naidansuren Ts ; Solongo B ; Densenbal D ; ; Tumen-Ulzii G ; ; Allabyergyen M ; Tumurjin G ; Khaliun P ; Tamir L ; Erdenetuya E ; Byambasuren S ; Ankhzaya B ; Ganbold L ; Manaljav Ts ;
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;93(3):212-216
Background:
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare lung disorder characterized by the accumulation of surfactant within the alveoli, leading to impaired gas exchange and respiratory insufficiency. Although the disease is uncommon, it significantly affects patients’ quality of life and requires specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Whole lung lavage (WLL) is considered the standard treatment; however, it has not been widely implemented in Mongolia. We report the first successful case of WLL performed for PAP in Mongolia.
Case Presentation:
A 56-year-old male presented with dyspnea. Chest computed tomography demonstrated a bilateral “crazy paving” pattern. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was positive for periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining, and anti–GM-CSF antibodies were detected, confirming the diagnosis of PAP. WLL was performed under general anesthesia using a double-lumen endotracheal tube with bronchoscopic guidance. One lung was ventilated with 100% oxygen while the contralateral lung was sequentially lavaged with 800–1000 mL of warm (37°C) saline per cycle until the effluent became clear. A total of approximately 20 liters of saline was used.
Result:
The procedure was completed successfully without complications. Following treatment, the patient showed marked clinical improvement with reduced dyspnea and increased exercise tolerance. Oxygen saturation improved from 88% to 93%, and spirometric parameters (FVC, FEV₁) demonstrated improvement. Chest imaging revealed a reduction in pulmonary opacities.
Conclusion
This case demonstrates the successful implementation of whole lung lavage (WLL) in Mongolia and highlights its importance in improving the diagnostic and therapeutic capacity for rare pulmonary diseases such as pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. The procedure resulted in significant improvement in clinical, functional, and radiological parameters, consistent with findings from international studies. Early diagnosis of PAP and the adoption of standardized protocols in accordance with international guidelines are essential to optimize treatment outcomes and enhance patients’ quality of life.
2.First diagnosis of IgA nephropathy by renal biopsy in Mongolia
Baigalmaa S ; Buyan-Od D ; Bolor-Erdene G ; Otgonsuren D, Amartuvshin B ; Otgonchimeg I ; Enkhtamir E ; Galtsog L
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2015;172(2):35-41
BackgroundIgA nephropathy and MPGN are common glomerulonephritis in the world that progresses slowly andrenal function can even remain unchanged for decades. Clinically, it presents by isolated hematuria,proteinuria. Histologically, IgA nephropathy presents with acute glomerular damage, mesangial cellproliferation, endocapillary leucocyte infiltration, and crescent formations, these lesions can undergoresolution with sclerotic healing. Since 2013, renal biopsy has been done at the First Central Hospitalof Mongolia a few times. However, the confirmative diagnosis of IgA nephropathy and MPGN remainunknown in Mongolia by renal biopsy. Therefore, we intended to test renal biopsy techniques andconfirm its diagnosis by renal biopsy at the Second Central Hospital of Mongolia.MethodsUltrasound guided renal biopsy had been done for four patients by nephrologist at the Departmentof Nephrology of the Second Central Hospital of Mongolia. All four specimens were evaluated assatisfactory which show more than 8 glomerulus under the light microscopy. Each renal cortical tissuewas divided into two tips: one piece for routine H&E stain and special stains, including Masson’strichrome, and PAS stain; another piece for immunofluorescence by frozen section, which werestained with IgG, IgM, IgA and complement component 3 (C3). Each case was screened by threepathologists.Results:The case which shows mesengial widening, mesengial hypercellularity under the light microscopyor mesangial granular deposition of IgA and C3 by immunofluorescence was diagnosed as IgAnephropathy. We obtained crescent formation with glomerular adhesion in most cases. In addition, weobserved secondary MPGN in one case, which is caused by hepatitis C virus infection.Conclusion: Probably, it is a new step for developing pathologic diagnosis for nephrology in Mongolia.We needs further study for improving renal biopsy technique and confirming the diagnosis of IgAnephropathy and MPGN using electron microscopy and pathological report by oxford classification forIgA nephropathy.
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