A Case of Lymphangioleiomyomatosis Presenting as a Lung Mass

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease that affects females of reproductive age. It is characterized by the abnormal proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the lung and along the axial lymphatics. We report a case of lymphangioleiomyomatosis presenting as a lung mass. The patient visited the emergency room because of dyspnea upon exertion. The chest X-ray showed a lung mass in the right lower lung field and a pneumothorax in the left lung. Chest computed tomography revealed a 5 x 3 cm sized mass in the right lower lobe and multiple thin-walled small cysts scattered in both lungs. Transbronchial biopsy of the lung mass was performed. The biopsy specimen showed atypical smooth muscle cell proliferation and cystic dilatation of the terminal bronchioles, which confirmed the diagnosis of lymphangioleiomyomatosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of lymphangioleiomyomatosis presenting as a lung mass. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2007; 63: 289-293)

keywords: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, Lung mass., Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, Lung mass.

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Article Contents

Vol.63 No.3

A Case of Lymphangioleiomyomatosis Presenting as a Lung Mass

Abstract

Reference

Tuberculosis & Respiratory Diseases