AATD is an underdiagnosed genetic condition attributable to an inherited mutation in the α1-antitrypsin protease inhibitor of the proteolytic enzyme elastase, with an increased risk of pulmonary and hepatic disease.1 Individuals with AATD commonly present in
the fourth or fifth decade of life with symptoms of dyspnea and
cough with or without sputum production. AATD may also involve other organs and present with liver cirrhosis, panniculitis, or granulomatosis with polyangiitis.2,3 AATD classically produces a panlobular emphysema disproportionally affecting the lung bases, in contrast
to COPD related to tobacco smoke, which typically affects the
upper lobes.3 In the United States, the prevalence of AATD has been reported to be 1 in 5097 individuals and is responsible for 1% to 2%of COPD cases.2,4