Pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis

What it means

Infiltration of smooth muscle-like cells in lymph vessels as well as the lung (pleura, alveolar septa, bronchi, pulmonary vessels and lymphatics as well as lymph nodes, especially in posterior mediastinum and retroperitoneum). Focal emphysema can develop because of airway narrowing, and the thoracic duct may be obliterated. Pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis may lead to multiple small cysts with a hamartomatous proliferation of smooth muscle in their walls.

Pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis is a manifestation of lymphangioleiomyomatosis, which may also affect extrapulmonary locations. It can be seen in tuberous sclerosis.

Rare diseases that can present with this2

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis · Pulmonary myomatosis