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[A case of intrapulmonary lymphangioma]
K Yoshida1, H Miyazaki, H Aizawa
1Research Institute for Diseases of the Chest, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University.
Summary
This case report details an extremely rare intrapulmonary lymphangioma diagnosed in a 41-year-old woman. Surgical removal and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of this rare pulmonary tumor.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Surgical Pathology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Intrapulmonary lymphangiomas are exceedingly rare congenital malformations of lymphatic vessels within the lung parenchyma.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to their rarity and potential mimicry of other pulmonary lesions.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old woman presented with a pulmonary nodule detected on routine chest X-ray.
- Imaging studies (CT and MRI) suggested a cystic lung tumor, but transbronchial biopsy was inconclusive.
- The nodule demonstrated interval growth over one year.
Findings:
- Surgical enucleation of the pulmonary nodule was performed.
- Histological examination revealed multiple thin-walled cysts lined by a single layer of cells.
- Immunohistochemical staining showed weak positivity for von Willebrand factor, supporting a lymphatic origin.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering intrapulmonary lymphangioma in the differential diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules, especially cystic ones.
- Definitive diagnosis often requires surgical resection and detailed histopathological analysis.
- Further research into the optimal management of intrapulmonary lymphangioma is warranted.