Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: an explosive presentation of a rare disease

Oxf Med Case Reports. 2017 Jun 7;2017(6):omx023. doi: 10.1093/omcr/omx023. eCollection 2017 Jun.

Abstract

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare cystic lung disease, commonly affecting women in the reproductive age group. Exacerbation of pre-existing disease is common during pregnancy likely due to the up-regulation of estrogen and progesterone receptors present within the proliferating smooth muscle cells. This case highlights a dramatic presentation of LAM for the first time in pregnancy, its rapid progression during gestation, and a partial resolution with delivery. The unusual radiographic imaging in this patient, lacked the characteristic cystic lesions commonly associated with LAM, but instead demonstrated a dense interstitial pattern with micronodular expansion of the interlobular septa suggesting severe lymphatic obstruction.

Keywords: cystic lung disease; lymphangioleiomyomatosis; pregnancy; sirolimus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports