[Multiple leiomyomatous hamartoma of the lungs]

Leiomyomatous hamartomas of the lungs are very rare lesions. As far as we know only 14 cases (including ours) have been published so far. In contrast to chondromatous hamartomas, they are exclusively found in women and as a rule are multiple. They are frequently an incidental finding in chest roentgenograms, where they appear as multiple round nodules which are often mistaken for metastases. However, as these lesions remain virtually the same size for long observation periods, differentiation is easily possible. This fact is well shown in our patient, in whom multiple nodules in the lungs were diagnosed at the age of 45 years and observed over a period of 35 years. They were first identified as leiomyomatour hamartomas at autopsy. No therapy is indicated as these lesions have no tendency to become malignant and only rarely and insignificantly interfere with respiratory function. Thoracotomy with biopsy for histological diagnosis is however indicated, since only thus can metastases be definitely ruled out.