Pulmonary Lymphangioleiomyomatosis and Role of Pleurodesis: Rare Case Reports

Abstract

Pulmonary Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease, mostly seen in women of reproductive age group. Most common presentation is dyspnoea on exertion, may be associated with haemoptysis and chest pain. LAM is a cystic lung disease, with a poor prognosis and is difficult to treat. In this case report, two patients are discussed who presented with dyspnoea and chest pain due to pneumothorax and were later diagnosed as case of LAM on clinical and radiological basis. Intercostal Chest Tube Drainage (ICD) was inserted for resolution of pneumothorax and subsequently pleurodesis was done to prevent recurrent pneumothorax. In case of recurrent pneumothorax, LAM should be considered as a differential diagnosis. Pleurodesis can be considered to prevent recurrent pneumothorax.

Keywords

• cystic lung disease
• intercostal chest tube drainage
• recurrent pneumothorax
• reproductive age women