Michael Jackson autopsy to show truth about genetic lung condition

June 26, 2:59 PMOrgan and Tissue Donor ExaminerCathy Doheny

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Jackson on May 6 at a rehearsal in LA for an upcoming concert*

Results from Michael Jackson's autopsy performed today should finally show the truth about the genetic lung condition from which he was rumored to be suffering. In December of 2008, best selling author Ian Halperin completed a book about Jackson's life, which claimed that the pop star suffered from Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a potentially fatal genetic lung condition, and was in desperate need of a lung transplant.

Despite Jackson's frail appearance, and sightings of him in a wheelchair, his representatives denied Halperin's claims, calling them complete fabrications.

Jackson's brother, Jermaine, released a statement yesterday citing cardiac arrest as the preliminary cause of death. However, Brian Oxman, a family friend and former lawyer of Jackson said that prescription medications may have been a factor in his death. Though a preliminary report from the Los Angeles Coroner's Office should show whether Jackson actually had a heart attack, it may take 6 to 8 weeks to receive the results of toxicology reports and other extensive testing. It is unclear as to when a diagnosis of Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency will be confirmed or denied.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic defect in the production of the protective protein, alpha-1antitrypsin. This protein is made in the liver and circulates in the bloodstream. It protects the lungs from a certain enzyme, neutrophil elastase. Without this protection, some people will develop emphysema. They are also particularly vulnerable to cirrhosis of the liver and panniculitis, an inflammation in the fatty tissue under the skin. It is estimated that the Alpha-1antitrypsin deficiency affects 1 out every 2,500 people in the US. 

According to Dr. James Stoller, a pulmonary critical care doctor at Cleveland Clinic, 8 to 11% of all lung transplants listed in the database of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation are performed because of a diagnosis of emphysema caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Patients with end-stage lung or liver disease caused by the illness, who are resistant to more conservative therapies, may be candidates for lung or liver transplants.

For more info: Alpha-1 Association

*AP Photo/Courtesy of Michael Jackson