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Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis: CT findings
R H Sherrier1, C Chiles, V Roggli
1Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare lung disease in women. CT scans reveal characteristic lung cysts and can help diagnose LAM when other methods are unclear.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare neoplastic proliferation of smooth muscle cells.
- It affects women of reproductive age, primarily involving the lungs, and can also affect abdominal lymph nodes.
- Clinical presentation and chest radiographs can be nonspecific.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis.
- To identify characteristic CT findings of LAM.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of CT scans from eight patients with biopsy-proven pulmonary LAM.
- Analysis of imaging features, including lung parenchyma, mediastinum, and retrocrural spaces.
Main Results:
- The most prominent CT finding was multiple, thin-walled cysts throughout the lungs, best seen with 1.5-mm collimation.
- Mediastinal and/or retrocrural lymphadenopathy was present in four of eight patients, often not visible on chest radiographs.
- CT findings can suggest LAM when clinical and radiographic diagnoses are uncertain.
Conclusions:
- CT imaging is valuable in diagnosing pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis.
- Characteristic CT findings include diffuse thin-walled cysts and potential lymphadenopathy.
- CT can aid in diagnosing LAM, especially when clinical presentation is ambiguous.