Rapid growth and regression of intracranial meningiomas in lymphangioleiomyomatosis: case report

Surg Neurol. 2007 Dec;68(6):671-674. doi: 10.1016/j.surneu.2006.11.063. Epub 2007 Jun 21.

Abstract

Background: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a progressive interstitial lung disease that affects young women. It has been suggested that estrogens play a role in its evolution, and progesterone therapy is often provided in these cases.

Case description: We present a case of a postmenopausal woman with LAM treated with progesterone; subsequently, rapid growth of multiple intracranial meningiomas was observed. One prominent lesion was excised, and 3 other lesions regressed spontaneously over 2 years.

Conclusions: This is a rare case of a non-pregnancy-related regression of meningiomas in a woman affected by LAM. The significance of this association and the hormonal treatment of the disease are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Contraindications
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphangioleiomyomatosis / drug therapy*
  • Lymphangioleiomyomatosis / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Meningioma / chemically induced*
  • Meningioma / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Progesterone / adverse effects*
  • Progestins / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Progestins
  • Progesterone