Computerized tomography in the diagnosis of lymphangioleiomyomatosis

We describe a subject with lymphangioleiomyomatosis who presented with chylothorax but who had an otherwise normal chest radiograph. The diagnosis was established by means of whole-body computerized tomographic scanning, which demonstrated asymptomatic involvement of the lungs, lymphatics, and kidneys. This diagnostic modality offers the potential for noninvasive serial monitoring of this rare condition, and in doing so provides an opportunity to obtain a better understanding of the disease process.