A case of diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis with unilateral lung invasion

Abstract

Diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis (DPL) is a rare interstitial lung disease characterized by intrathoracic lymphatic system abnormalities often with involvement of both lungs. Here, we report a 24-year-old male patient with DPL initially located in one lung, presenting only with transient fever. Resection of the right middle and lower lobes was performed for diagnosis and complete removal of the lesions. The pathologic features shown by diffuse smooth thickening of the interlobular septa, bronchovascular bundles, infiltration of patchy ground glass opacities and specific immunohistologic D2-40 and CD34 positive staining confirmed the diagnosis of DPL. The patient did not show signs of relapse during the 2-year follow-up period, which suggests that surgery is an effective and reasonable method for treating DPL with relatively localized lesions.