[Sclerosing intravascular bronchiolo-alveolar tumor]

We report the case of a 56 year old female who was admitted to hospital in 1980 for assessment of disseminated nodular pulmonary opacities. The histological examination of a prescalene node biopsy showed features which were compatible with sarcoidosis. No treatment was given. In 1987 a discrete increase in the pulmonary nodules was noted. In 1989 effort dyspnoea occurred and there were pains in the right lower chest and an evening fever. The chest X-ray showed a right sided pleurisy and an increase in the size of the nodules with mediastinal lymphadenopathy. A histological examination of a pulmonary nodule, which was taken at an open lung biopsy enabled the diagnosis of a broncho-alveolar sclerosing intravascular tumour to be established. This is a rare tumour which has a slow evolution occurring most often in middle aged females. In 50% of cases the discovery is fortuitous. Besides patients present with non-specific symptoms. The radiological examination reveals multiple nodular opacities which are diffuse and 0.5 to 1.5 cm in diameter. Currently these tumours do not benefit from any particular therapy.