Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: new concepts in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment

Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 2012 Oct;33(5):486-97. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1325159. Epub 2012 Sep 21.

Abstract

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a slowly progressive lung disease that is associated with mutations in tuberous sclerosis complex genes, infiltration of the pulmonary parenchyma and lymphatics with neoplastic smooth muscle cells, extensive tissue remodeling and architectural distortion of the lung, and tumors of the chest and abdomen, including lymphangiomyomas and angiomyolipomas. LAM occurs in women in the general population and in patients of both genders with tuberous sclerosis. Overt clinical manifestations of LAM occur almost exclusively in females, however, and include progressive dyspnea on exertion, recurrent pneumothorax, and chylous effusions. The molecular basis of LAM has been extensively characterized over the past decade, resulting in the development of a targeted therapy. This article reviews emerging approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of LAM.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Disease Progression
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphangioleiomyomatosis / diagnosis
  • Lymphangioleiomyomatosis / physiopathology*
  • Lymphangioleiomyomatosis / therapy
  • Male
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • Mutation
  • Pleural Effusion / etiology
  • Pleural Effusion / pathology
  • Pneumothorax / etiology
  • Recurrence
  • Sex Factors
  • Tuberous Sclerosis / genetics*