The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis can result in severe hypoxemia. Treatment of symptomatic patients using unilateral or lobar staged lung lavage often results in improved oxygenation and functional capacity. ⋯ Oxygenation was markedly improved immediately following the procedure. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation permits satisfactory respiratory support in the setting of severe respiratory failure and should be considered an adjunct for treatment of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis when lung lavage cannot be otherwise safely accomplished.