Which are the symptoms of Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia?

Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia (ACD) is a rare and life-threatening congenital disorder that affects the development of the lungs. It is characterized by abnormal development of the alveolar capillaries, which are the tiny blood vessels responsible for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs.

The symptoms of ACD typically become apparent shortly after birth, usually within the first few days or weeks of life. The severity of symptoms can vary, but they generally involve respiratory distress and persistent pulmonary hypertension, which is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.

Respiratory distress is one of the hallmark symptoms of ACD. Infants with ACD may experience rapid breathing, grunting, flaring of the nostrils, and retractions, which are visible inward pulling of the chest wall during breathing. They may also have difficulty feeding and exhibit poor weight gain.

Persistent pulmonary hypertension is another significant symptom of ACD. It occurs when the blood vessels in the lungs do not relax properly, leading to increased pressure. This can result in decreased oxygen levels in the blood, causing cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes.

In addition to respiratory distress and persistent pulmonary hypertension, infants with ACD may also present with other symptoms such as:

• Severe hypoxemia: A condition characterized by low levels of oxygen in the blood, leading to shortness of breath and fatigue.


• Persistent tachycardia: An abnormally fast heart rate that persists even at rest.


• Poor response to treatment: Infants with ACD often do not respond well to standard treatments for respiratory distress, such as supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation.


• Persistent pulmonary infiltrates: Abnormalities seen on chest X-rays or other imaging studies, indicating fluid accumulation or inflammation in the lungs.


• Failure to thrive: Infants with ACD may have difficulty gaining weight and growing at a normal rate.

It is important to note that the symptoms of ACD can be similar to other respiratory conditions, making it challenging to diagnose. However, a definitive diagnosis of ACD can be made through a lung biopsy, which involves examining a small sample of lung tissue under a microscope to identify the characteristic abnormalities.

Given the severity of the symptoms and the poor response to treatment, ACD has a high mortality rate. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for ACD, and treatment options are limited. Supportive care, including respiratory support and management of pulmonary hypertension, is typically provided to improve the infant's comfort and quality of life.

In conclusion, Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia is a rare lung disorder that primarily affects newborns. Its symptoms include respiratory distress, persistent pulmonary hypertension, severe hypoxemia, persistent tachycardia, poor response to treatment, persistent pulmonary infiltrates, and failure to thrive. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial in providing the best possible care for infants with ACD.