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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
07:27
Robotic-assisted Left Pneumonectomy For Vanishing Lung Syndrome
Published on: January 23, 2026
[Lymphangiomyomatosis pathologically diagnosed by surgery for pneumothorax]
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tohoku Koseinenkin Hospital, Sendai, Japan.
Kyobu Geka. the Japanese Journal of Thoracic Surgery
|July 11, 2009
Summary
Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) can be diagnosed through careful lung biopsy. This case highlights the importance of pathological examination in young women with pneumothorax, even with unclear imaging findings.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare lung disease primarily affecting women.
- Recurrent pneumothorax is a common clinical presentation of LAM.
- Diagnosis often relies on characteristic histopathological findings.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old woman presented with recurrent left pneumothorax.
- Pre-operative imaging revealed only minor lung abnormalities.
- Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed for lung apex resection.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination of the excised lung revealed incipient pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM).
- Multiple focal accumulations of HMB-45 positive spindle-shaped cells, specific for LAM, were identified.
- Vascular invasion by LAM cells was observed, indicating metastatic potential.
Implications:
- This case underscores the necessity of thorough histopathological examination of lung specimens in female patients with pneumothorax.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of LAM is crucial, even when imaging is inconclusive.
- Pathological review can reveal subtle findings indicative of LAM and its invasive characteristics.
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