An integrated clinical approach to diffuse cystic lung diseases

Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis. 2005 Dec:22 Suppl 1:S31-9.

Abstract

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis and Langerhans cell Histiocytosis are two different diseases that can involve the lungs, with unknown etiology and origin. Both are rare, present a similar radiological pattern (multiple nodules and cysts in the lungs) and may have a similar clinical presentation, with progressive dyspnea, hemoptysis, pneumothorax and a variable course usually culminating in respiratory failure. Due to these similarities a differential diagnosis may be difficult in some instances. This review underlines differences in epidemiology, pathogenesis and prognosis that could assist clinicians in making a differential diagnosis of these rare and severe pulmonary diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / cytology
  • Cysts / diagnosis*
  • Cysts / epidemiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / diagnosis*
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Lung Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Lymphangioleiomyomatosis / diagnosis*
  • Lymphangioleiomyomatosis / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Prognosis
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Risk Assessment
  • Survival Rate
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed