[Diffuse pulmonary meningotheliomatosis: an uncommon cause of the micronodular pattern]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pulmonology
• Pathology

Background:

• Pulmonary meningotheliomas are rare neoplasms presenting as small nodules.
• Their etiology remains unknown, and differential diagnoses include other nodular lung diseases.
• Pulmonary meningotheliomatosis shows a significant association with various lung diseases, notably lung adenocarcinoma.

Observation:

• A case of a patient with a history of metachronous breast and rectal cancer is presented.
• CT imaging revealed a micronodular pattern in both lungs, initially suspected as metastases.
• The definitive diagnosis of pulmonary meningotheliomatosis was established post-lung biopsy.

Findings:

• Pulmonary meningotheliomatosis can mimic metastatic disease on imaging.
• The association with prior malignancies warrants careful radiologic interpretation.
• Histopathological examination is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Implications:

• This case underscores the need to include pulmonary meningotheliomatosis in the differential diagnosis of lung nodules.
• Radiologists and oncologists should be aware of this rare condition, particularly in patients with a history of cancer.
• Further research into the pathogenesis and diagnostic modalities for pulmonary meningotheliomatosis is warranted.