Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
07:36
Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
Published on: May 1, 2015
14.3K
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: A Review
Mohammed Amine Bouanzoul1, Yale Rosen2
1From the Department of Pulmonology and Phthisiology, Rouiba Hospital, University of Algiers, Rouiba, Algiers, Algeria (Bouanzoul).
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|November 10, 2024
Summary
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare lung disease affecting women, characterized by abnormal cell growth. Recent advancements improve diagnosis and management, highlighting a shift towards minimally invasive procedures and clinical laboratory roles.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare multisystem neoplasm with perivascular epithelioid cell differentiation.
- Primarily affecting women of childbearing age, LAM involves lung compartment smooth muscle cell proliferation, leading to cystic destruction and potential respiratory failure.
- LAM cells harbor tuberous sclerosis (TSC) gene mutations and are influenced by female hormones like estrogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in LAM pathogenesis and diagnosis.
- To illustrate characteristic pathologic and radiologic findings.
- To discuss evidence-based therapies and emphasize multidisciplinary care.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- Pertinent medical literature published in English over the last 30 years was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in understanding LAM pathophysiology and management.
- Current diagnostic trends favor minimally invasive procedures.
- The role of the clinical laboratory in LAM diagnosis is increasing.
Conclusions:
- Gaps remain in understanding LAM pathophysiology and immune system involvement.
- Minimally invasive diagnostic approaches are becoming standard care.
- Clinical laboratories will play a greater diagnostic role, potentially reducing surgical pathologist involvement in pulmonary LAM diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:33Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
01:23Detailed Structure and Function of Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are bean-shaped structures that cluster along the lymphatic vessels in the inguinal, axillary, and cervical regions. Each node is divided into compartments by a capsule that extends trabeculae inward.
From a histological perspective, lymph nodes can be split into two main areas: the superficial cortex and the deep medulla. The outer cortex is populated by dendritic cells, macrophages, and B lymphocytes, which are densely packed into follicles. When these B-lymphocytes are presented...
From a histological perspective, lymph nodes can be split into two main areas: the superficial cortex and the deep medulla. The outer cortex is populated by dendritic cells, macrophages, and B lymphocytes, which are densely packed into follicles. When these B-lymphocytes are presented...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
01:28Graves' Disease I: Introduction
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...
01:26Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
01:23Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...