Pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis. Demonstration of smooth muscle antigens by immunofluorescence technique

A case is reported of pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis in 44-year-old woman presenting with progressive exertional dyspnoea, unproductive cough and haemoptysis. The patient showed no symptoms or signs of tuberous sclerosis, a condition often found in association with pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis. A pulmonary biopsy specimen showed disruption of alveolar septa and fibrosis. Subpleural lymph vessels and pulmonary venules showed cuffs of spindle-shaped cells. The leiomyomatous nature of these cells was evident from their appearance and staining reactions with light microscopy, and the presence of smooth muscle antigens as demonstrated by immunofluorescence technique. Since the lesion is not restricted to lymphatics, but can also be present in blood vessels, the condition may more appropriately be designated as pulmonary angiomyomatosis.