[Flutropium bromide was effective in relieving symptoms of lymphangioleiomyomatosis--a case report]

A 32-year-old woman was admitted with persistent dyspnea. Chest roentgenogram showed hyperinflation of the lungs, and diffuse reticular shadows in both lung fields. Chest CT showed diffuse cystic lesions and thickened vasculature. Examinations revealed severe hypoxemia, restrictive and obstructive ventilatory impairments, increased residual volume, and decreased carbon monoxide diffusing capacity. Lymphagioleiomyomatosis was strongly suspected, and a diagnosis confirmed histopathologically by lung biopsies. Inhalation of flutropium bromide was remarkably effective in relieving dyspnea and impaired pulmonary functions. It is suggested that flutropium bromide is beneficial for symptomatic improvement in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis.