Diagnostic performance of VEGF-D for lymphangioleiomyomatosis: a meta-analysis / Desempenho diagnóstico do VEGF-D para linfangioleiomiomatose: meta-análise

ABSTRACT Objective: VEGF-D is a potential biomarker for lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM); however, its diagnostic performance has yet to be systematically studied. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library to identify primary studies on VEGF-D in relation to the diagnosis of LAM. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). Summary estimates of diagnostic accuracy were pooled using a bivariate random effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore possible heterogeneity. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was applied to rate the quality of evidence and indicate the strength of recommendations. Results: Ten studies involving 945 patients were of high risk in quality, as assessed using the QUADAS-2. The pooled diagnostic parameters were indicated as follows: sensitivity = 0.82 (95% CI, 0.71-0.90); specificity = 0.98 (95% CI, 0.94-0.99); and diagnostic OR = 197 (95% CI, 66-587). The AUC of summary ROC analysis was 0.98. The subgroup and sensitivity analyses revealed that the overall performance was not substantially affected by the composition of the control group, prespecified cutoff value, the country of origin, or different cutoff values (p > 0.05 for all). A strong recommendation for serum VEGF-D determination to aid in the diagnosis of LAM was made according to the GRADE. Conclusions: VEGF-D seems to have great potential implications for the diagnosis of LAM in clinical practice due to its excellent specificity and suboptimal sensitivity.

RESUMO Objetivo: O VEGF-D é um potencial biomarcador para linfangioleiomiomatose (LAM); entretanto, seu desempenho diagnóstico ainda não foi sistematicamente estudado. Métodos: Foram realizadas buscas nos bancos de dados PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science e Cochrane Library para identificar estudos primários sobre o VEGF-D com relação ao diagnóstico de LAM. A qualidade dos estudos foi avaliada por meio da ferramenta Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). As estimativas sumárias de acurácia diagnóstica foram combinadas utilizando um modelo bivariado de efeitos aleatórios. Análises de subgrupo e de sensibilidade foram realizadas para explorar possíveis heterogeneidades. O sistema Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) foi aplicado para avaliar a qualidade das evidências e indicar a força das recomendações. Resultados: Dez estudos envolvendo 945 pacientes eram de alto risco em qualidade, segundo a ferramenta QUADAS-2. Os parâmetros diagnósticos combinados foram indicados da seguinte forma: sensibilidade = 0,82 (IC95%: 0,71-0,90); especificidade = 0,98 (IC95%: 0,94-0,99); e OR diagnóstica = 197 (IC95%: 66-587). A ASC da análise summary ROC foi de 0,98. As análises de subgrupo e de sensibilidade revelaram que o desempenho global não foi substancialmente afetado pela composição do grupo controle, valor de corte pré-especificado, país de origem ou diferentes valores de corte (p > 0,05 para todos). Uma forte recomendação para a dosagem de VEGF-D sérico para auxiliar no diagnóstico de LAM foi feita de acordo com o sistema GRADE. Conclusões: O VEGF-D parece ter grandes implicações potenciais para o diagnóstico de LAM na prática clínica em virtude da excelente especificidade e sensibilidade subótima.

Sarcoma de Kaposi tipo linfangiomatoso: comunicación de un caso / 9 LYMPHANGIOMATOUS KAPOSI'S SARCOMA: CASE REPORT

El sarcoma de Kaposi linfangiomatoso es una variante clínica rara del sarcoma de Kaposi. Tiene la característica de presentarse como cavidades con contenido líquido que muchas veces se confunden con enfermedades ampollares de la piel. Presentamos un paciente masculino con antecedente de infección por VIH asociado a sarcoma de Kaposi clásico, diseminado a nivel pulmonar, gastrointestinal y cutáneo. Tras dos ciclos de quimioterapia mejoró el compromiso sistémico, pero comenzó con ampollas en ambos muslos, por lo que junto con estudios clínicos y estudios complementarios se llegó al diagnóstico de sarcoma de Kaposi linfangiomatoso.

Lymphangiomatous Kaposi's sarcoma is a rare clinical variant of Kaposi's sarcoma. It has the characteristic of appearing as cavities with liquid content that are often confused with blistering skin diseases. We present a male patient with a history of HIV infection associated with classic Kaposi's sarcoma, disseminated to the pulmonary, gastrointestinal and skin levels. After two cycles of chemotherapy, the systemic involvement improved but she began with blisters on both thighs, from which, together with clinical studies and complementary studies, a diagnosis of lymphangiomatous Kaposi's sarcoma was reached.

Linfangioleiomiomatosis pulmonar / Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis

Introducción: La linfangioleiomiomatosis pulmonar constituye un desafío, tanto en su manejo diagnóstico como en la atención de sus complicaciones. Es una enfermedad rara que se caracteriza por la proliferación del músculo liso alrededor de las estructuras bronco-vasculares, linfáticos y en el intersticio pulmonar, unido a la dilatación quística de los espacios aéreos terminales. Objetivo: Describir la evolución clínica y el tratamiento de un paciente con linfangioleiomiomatosis pulmonar. Presentación de caso: Se presenta un caso de linfangioleiomiomatosis pulmonar que desde el punto de vista clínico se manifestó por neumotórax a repetición. Se llegó a diagnóstico definitivo mediante la realización de una biopsia de pulmón. Desarrollo: La linfangioleiomiomatosis es una entidad rara que afecta fundamentalmente a mujeres en edad fértil y que se caracteriza por la presencia de un patrón quístico difuso. Su prevalencia e incidencia es desconocida. Conclusiones: Se puede concluir que la presencia de neumotórax espontáneo o recidivante en una mujer en edad fértil, o embarazada, debe sospecharse linfangioleiomiomatosis(AU)

Introduction: Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis constitutes a challenge, both in its diagnostic management and in the care of complications. It is a rare disease characterized by the proliferation of smooth muscle around the bronchovascular and lymphatic structures and in the pulmonary interstitium, together with cystic dilation of the terminal air spaces. Objective: To describe a diagnosed case of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Case report: A case of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis is reported, which was clinically showed as recurrent pneumothorax. A definitive diagnosis was reached by performing a lung biopsy. Discussion: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare entity that mainly affects women of childbearing age and is characterized by the presence of a diffuse cystic pattern. Its prevalence and incidence is unknown. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the presence of spontaneous or recurrent pneumothorax in a woman of childbearing age, or pregnant, should be suspected lymphangioleiomyomatosis(AU)

Neumotórax espontaneo en paciente gestante / Spontaneous Pneumothorax in a Pregnant Woman

RESUMEN Introducción: El neumotórax es una de las enfermedades pleurales más frecuentes en la práctica médica, siendo excepcional su asociación con el embarazo, existiendo pocos casos reportados en la literatura mundial. La linfangioleiomiomatosis es una enfermedad multisistémica poco frecuente, que afecta predominante al sexo femenino en edad fértil y puede verse exacerbada por el embarazo. Objetivo: Realizar el reporte de un caso y la revisión del tema que permitan un diagnóstico precoz y una conducta de forma temprana. Caso clínico: Paciente gestante de 15 semanas, de 36 años de edad, con antecedentes de salud anterior, que debuta súbitamente con disnea a los medianos esfuerzos, tos, dolor torácico y neumotórax derecho espontáneo, recurrente en su evolución y posteriormente bilateral. Su curso fue tórpido requiriendo tratamiento en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos por fallo respiratorio agudo, falleciendo luego de 3 meses del inicio del cuadro. Se le realizó, Radiografía de tórax: patrón reticular de tipo panal de abejas, tomografía de tórax: imágenes quísticas múltiples en todo parénquima pulmonar de predominio basal. Biopsia pulmonar compatible con linfangioleiomiomatosis. Conclusiones: La aparición de disnea súbita, dolor pleurítico y neumotórax en una gestante, deben ser siempre suficientes para tener en cuenta la presencia de una linfangioleiomiomatosis. Su inespecificidad sintomática inicial se traduce en un diagnóstico tardío, lo que empobrece su pronóstico(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pneumothorax is one of the pleural diseases most frequent in medical practice. Its association with pregnancy is essential. Few cases are reported in worldwide medical literature. Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare multisystem disease that predominantly affects individuals of the female sex and at fertile age; it can be aggravated by pregnancy. Objective: To present a case report and a topic review that allow early diagnosis and early management. Clinical case: A 15-week-pregnant patient aged 36 years and with a previous health history suddenly presented dyspnea for average efforts, cough, chest pain, and spontaneous right pneumothorax, recurrent in its evolution and, later, bilateral. Its evolution was slow, a reason why it required intensive care for acute respiratory failure. The patient died three months after the onset of symptoms. The patient was performed chest x-ray, which showed honeycomb-type reticular pattern; and chest tomography, which showed multiple cystic images throughout pulmonary parenchyma, predominantly at baseline. Lung biopsy consistent with lymphangioleiomyomatosis was performed. Conclusions: Onset of sudden dyspnea, pleuritic pain and pneumothorax in a pregnant woman should always be sufficiently indicative of lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Its initial symptomatic non-specificity is determined by late diagnosis, which impoverishes prognosis(AU)

Recurrence of retroperitoneal localized perivascular epithelioid cell tumor two years after initial diagnosis: case report

ABSTRACT CONTEXT: Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are rare mesenchymal tumors. Adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy are administered according to the patient's clinical characteristics. CASE REPORT: A 42-year-old female patient was operated to treat a retroperitoneal mass. The diagnosis was established as PEComa with benign behavior. Two years after the diagnosis, chest and abdominal computed tomography scans showed intra-abdominal recurrence and lymphangioleiomyomatosis in the lung. Treatment with everolimus was started. The disease stabilized in the third month of treatment, according to the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors. CONCLUSION: PEComas are tumors with unpredictable behavior. Therefore, these patients require long-term follow-up, even in cases of correct diagnosis and benign PEComa.

Caso Clínico: Linfangioleiomiomatosis en una Paciente Joven con Síndrome de Bourneville

INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome de Bourneville o esclerosis tuberosa es una alteración innata del desarrollo que se transmite de forma autosómica dominante, es causada por mutación en los genes TSC1 y TSC2. Se presenta en 1 de cada 6 000 habitantes; se considera una forma rara de facomatosis susceptible de originar tumores benignos en diversas zonas del cuerpo, entre los que se cita: angiomiolipomas renales, tumores del sistema nervioso, retina, corazón, piel y linfangioleiomiomatosis pulmonar; siendo la última una patología pulmonar quística, progresiva, que afecta a las mujeres en edad fértil y puede ser potencialmente mortal. CASO CLÍNICO: Se trata de una paciente de sexo femenino de 23 años de edad, mestiza, con antecedentes de esclerosis tuberosa, hipotiroidismo y nefrectomía izquierda por angiomiolipoma; que presentó un neumotórax espontáneo secundario a linfangioleiomiomatosis pulmonar. EVOLUCIÓN: En base a los antecedentes patológicos, cuadro clínico y estudios de imagen se diagnosticó de linfangioleiomiomatosis pulmonar. Se realizó una pleurodesis y se inició tratamiento con Sirolimus; la respuesta fue satisfactoria, se mantuvieron controles médicos periódicos evaluando la posibilidad de trasplante pulmonar a futuro. CONCLUSIÓN: El neumotórax espontáneo en una mujer joven con esclerosis tuberosa se asocia a linfangioleiomiomatosis pulmonar; en la actualidad esta patología es manejada con Sirolimus, los resultados han sido favorables en la función pulmonar y calidad de vida del paciente; el trasplante pulmonar sigue siendo el tratamiento de elección en la enfermedad avanzada.(au)

BACKGROUND: Bourneville syndrome or tuberous sclerosis is an innate development alteration transmitted by autosomal dominant inheritance. It is caused by TSC1 and TSC2 gene mutations and occurs in 1 of every 6 000 people. It is considered a rare form of phacomatosis that can cause multiple benign tumors including renal angiomyolipomas and tumors of the central nervous system, retina, heart and skin; pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis can be part of the clinical presentation, affects women of childbearing age and can be life-threatening. CASE REPORT: 23 year-old female patient with history of tuberous sclerosis, hypothyroidism and left nephrectomy for angiomyolipoma, who presented a spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis. EVOLUTION: Based on the history, clinical picture and imaging studies; the diagnosis of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis was made. A pleurodesis was performed and a treatment with Sirolimus was started; the response was satisfactory, periodic controls were maintained evaluating the possibility of lung transplant in the future. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous pneumothorax in a young woman with tuberous sclerosis is associated with pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Currently this pathology is managed with Sirolimus, the results have been favorable , improving pulmonary function and quality of life; lung transplantation remains the treatment of choice in advanced disease.(au)

Linfangioleiomiomatosis pulmonar, una rara enfermedad pulmonar: presentación de un caso clínico / Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, a rare lung disease: presentation of a clinical case

Introducción: La linfangioleiomiomatosis Pulmonar (LAM) es una rara y progresiva enfermedad; caracterizada por proliferación excesiva de células musculares lisas a partir de vasos linfáticos, sanguíneos y vías aéreas. En conjunto al anormal crecimiento celular descrito, se aprecia degeneración quística difusa del parénquima pulmonar, lo que puede reflejarse desde cuadros completamente asintomáticos hasta el deterioro severo del intercambio gaseoso con insuficiencia respiratoria fulminante. Descripción del caso: Paciente femenino de 41 años de edad, con cuadro clínico consistente en tos seca ocasional, asociada a dolor leve de características pleuríticas en 'puntada de costado ' derecha. Ante la no mejoría clínica, se indica estudio imagenológico donde se demuestra neumotorax espontáneo derecho. En estudio tomográfico se aprecian además lesiones pulmonares quísticas. El estudio anátomo-patológico demuestra cambios estructurales que se reportan compatibles con LAM. Conclusión: Dada la simplicidad de los síntomas con que la LAM puede debutar, su confirmación diagnóstica se genera en fases avanzadas de la enfermedad, cuando el daño pulmonar importante conlleva a la aparición de factores clínicos con mayor repercusión sobre el estado general de los pacientes por lo que la realización de estudios imagenológicos tempranos gana vital importancia.

Introduction: Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare and progressive disease; characterized by airway, lymphatic and blood vessels-smooth muscle cells excessive proliferation. Added to the abnormal cell growth, parenchymal cystic degeneration is present, which can be reflected initially as a asymptomatic course and can progress to severe gaseous exchange deterioration and fulminating respiratory insufficiency. Case description: A 41-year-old female patient with a clinical course consisting of occasional dry cough, associated with mild pleuritic pain on the right side of thorax. As no improvement was achieved, thoracic imaging study was performed, where a right pneumothorax was found. Tomography images showed multiple lung cystic lesions. Anatomopathological study reports structural changes compatible with LAM. Conclusion: Given the simplicity of the symptoms that LAM can debut with, its diagnostic confirmation is generated in advanced stages of the disease, when the important pulmonary damage leads to the appearance of clinical factors with greater impact on the general state of patients so early thoracic imaging studies gain vital importance.

A Stepwise Diagnostic Approach to Cystic Lung Diseases for Radiologists

Lung cysts are commonly seen on computed tomography (CT), and cystic lung diseases show a wide disease spectrum. Thus, correct diagnosis of cystic lung diseases is a challenge for radiologists. As the first diagnostic step, cysts should be distinguished from cavities, bullae, pneumatocele, emphysema, honeycombing, and cystic bronchiectasis. Second, cysts can be categorized as single/localized versus multiple/diffuse. Solitary/localized cysts include incidental cysts and congenital cystic diseases. Multiple/diffuse cysts can be further categorized according to the presence or absence of associated radiologic findings. Multiple/diffuse cysts without associated findings include lymphangioleiomyomatosis and Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome. Multiple/diffuse cysts may be associated with ground-glass opacity or small nodules. Multiple/diffuse cysts with nodules include Langerhans cell histiocytosis, cystic metastasis, and amyloidosis. Multiple/diffuse cysts with ground-glass opacity include pneumocystis pneumonia, desquamative interstitial pneumonia, and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia. This stepwise radiologic diagnostic approach can be helpful in reaching a correct diagnosis for various cystic lung diseases.

Clinical characteristics in lymphangioleiomyomatosis-related pulmonary hypertension: an observation on 50 patients / 医学前沿

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare diffuse cystic lung disease. Knowledge on LAM-related pulmonary hypertension (PH) is limited. This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of LAM with elevated pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and evaluate the potential efficacy of sirolimus. The study involved 50 LAM patients who underwent echocardiography. According to the tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV), these patients were divided into the TRV ⩽ 2.8 m/s group and TRV > 2.8 m/s group. Both groups comprised 25 females with an average age of 38.6 ± 8.1 and 41.5 ± 8.9 years. In the TRV > 2.8 m/s group, the estimated systolic PAP (SPAP) was significantly elevated (52.08 ± 12.45 mmHg vs. 30.24 ± 5.25 mmHg, P < 0.01). Linear analysis showed that SPAP was correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV), diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide, alveolar arterial oxygen gradient (PO), and 6 min walking distance (r =-0.392, -0.351, 0.450, and -0.591, respectively; P < 0.05), in which PO was a risk factor for SPAP elevation (β = 0.064, OR = 1.066, P < 0.05). Moreover, in 10 patients who received sirolimus therapy, SPAP decreased from 57.0 12.6 mmHg to 35.2 ± 11.1 mmHg. The study showed that LAM patients with PH exhibit poor pulmonary function and hypoxemia and may benefit from sirolimus treatment.

Complejo linfangioleiomiomatosis-esclerosis tuberosa, ¿contraindicación para el trasplante pulmonar? Presentación de un caso / Lymphangioleiomyomatosis-Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Contraindication For Lung Transplantation? A Case Report

El complejo linfangioleiomiomatosis (LAM)-esclerosis tuberosa (ET) es una enfermedad rara, con compromiso multisistémico que afecta principalmente pulmón y cerebro. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 25 años con LAM pulmonar que ingresa a la institución para protocolo de trasplante pulmonar. Durante los estudios de extensión se documenta compromiso extrapulmonar sistémico del complejo LAM-ET. A partir de este caso, se realizó una revisión de la literatura de las manifestaciones radiológicas sistémicas de la enfermedad y las recomendaciones de diagnóstico y manejo de estos pacientes; en especial, las indicaciones y contraindicaciones del trasplante pulmonar.

The lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) - Tuberous Sclerosis (TS) Complex is a rare disease with multisystem involvement affecting mainly lung and brain. We present the case of a 25-year-old female patient with pulmonary LAM. During the work-up studies for the lung transplantation protocol, the systemic extrapulmonary involvement of the LAM-TS complex is documented. From this case, a literature review of the systemic radiological manifestations of the disease and of the diagnosis and management recommendations of these patients was made. Special focus was made on the indications and contraindications of lung transplantation.

Diagnosis and treatment of cystic lung disease

Cystic lung disease (CLD) is a group of lung disorders characterized by the presence of multiple cysts, defined as air-filled lucencies or low-attenuating areas, bordered by a thin wall (usually < 2 mm). The recognition of CLDs has increased with the widespread use of computed tomography. This article addresses the mechanisms of cyst formation and the diagnostic approaches to CLDs. A number of assessment methods that can be used to confirm CLDs are discussed, including high-resolution computed tomography, pathologic approaches, and genetic/serologic markers, together with treatment modalities, including new therapeutic drugs currently being evaluated. The CLDs covered by this review are lymphangioleiomyomatosis, pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis, Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia/follicular bronchiolitis, and amyloidosis.

Diagnosis and treatment for 2 cases of tuberous sclerosis complex with pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis / 中南大学学报(医学版)

To improve the diagnosis and treatment for tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) with pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, a retrospective analysis was performed based on the clinical data of 2 patients with such disease. Both of them have typical thin-walled cystic lesion throughout the lung field, renal angioleiomyolipoma, and various degrees of skin lesions. Central nervous system is involved in one patient. Lesions in the lung and kidney in one patient were improved significantly after 5 months of rapamycin treatment. The clinical phenotypes were diverse in TSC patients. The CT imaging showed typical characteristics when the lung was invaded by the tumor. When a patient was diagnosed as pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, we should pay attention to the clinical screening of TSC. Rapamycin is an effective and safe treatment for this disease.

A Case of Malignant PEComa of the Uterus Associated with Intramural Leiomyoma and Endometrial Carcinoma

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) refers to a family of mesenchymal neoplasms composed of angiomyolipomas, clear cell “sugar” tumors of the lung, and lymphangioleiomyomatoses. These tumors have a distinctive and common component of perivascular epithelioid cells that show an association with blood vessel walls and immunohistochemically display myomelanocytic differentiation. The unique neoplasms have been shown to have an expanded range through a variety of case reports, including visceral, intra-abdominal, soft tissue, and bone tumors. The retroperitoneum, abdominopelvic region, and uterus have been reported to be the most common sites. Most PEComas follow a benign course. However, reports of malignant PEComas are increasing. Many papers have described uterine PEComas, but to our knowledge, there have not yet been any reports of a malignant PEComa arising concomitant with another epithelial tumor and mesenchymal tumor. We report herein the case of a 67-year-old woman who experienced a malignant uterine PEComa infiltrating a preexisting intramural leiomyoma with synchronous well differentiated endometrial carcinoma and multiple liver and lung metastases.

Use of sirolimus in the treatment of lymphangioleiomyomatosis: favorable responses in patients with different extrapulmonary manifestations / Uso de sirolimo no tratamento de linfangioleiomiomatose: resposta favorável em pacientes com diferentes manifestações extrapulmonares

OBJECTIVE: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease that is currently considered a low-grade neoplasm with metastatic potential and variable progression. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, such as sirolimus and everolimus, have recently become a treatment option for LAM patients, especially those with extrapulmonary manifestations. The objective of the present study was to describe a case series of four patients with LAM in Brazil who showed significant improvement, particularly in their extrapulmonary manifestations, after treatment with sirolimus (at 1-4 mg/day). METHODS: We describe four cases of LAM patients with different extrapulmonary manifestations who were treated with sirolimus. RESULTS: After treatment with sirolimus for 12 months, one patient presented resolution of severe chylothorax; one had a significant reduction in renal angiomyolipoma volume; and one showed significant regression of retroperitoneal lymphangioleiomyomas and abdominal lymph node enlargement. After treatment with sirolimus for 6 months, the remaining patient had a significant reduction in the volume of a massive retroperitoneal lymphangioleiomyoma. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm that mTOR inhibitors are beneficial for patients with LAM, especially those with extrapulmonary manifestations, such as renal angiomyolipoma, lymphangioleiomyomas, and chylous effusions. However, certain aspects, such as the optimal dose, duration of treatment, and long-term adverse effects, have yet to be sufficiently clarified for mTOR inhibitors to be incorporated into LAM management protocols. .

OBJETIVO: A linfangioleiomiomatose (LAM) é uma doença rara que é atualmente considerada uma neoplasia de baixo grau com potencial metastático e evolução variável. Os inibidores de mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), como o sirolimo e o everolimo, recentemente se tornaram uma opção para o tratamento de pacientes com LAM, especialmente daqueles com manifestações extrapulmonares. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever quatro casos de pacientes com LAM no Brasil que apresentaram melhora, especialmente das manifestações extrapulmonares, após tratamento com sirolimo (em doses de 1-4 mg/dia). MÉTODOS: Descrevemos quatro casos de pacientes com LAM e diferentes manifestações extrapulmonares tratados com sirolimo. RESULTADOS: Após o tratamento com sirolimo por 12 meses, um paciente apresentou resolução do quilotórax de difícil manejo, um paciente teve redução significativa do volume do angiomiolipoma renal, e uma paciente apresentou regressão importante de linfangioleiomiomas retroperitoneais e linfonodomegalias abdominais. Após tratamento com sirolimo por 6 meses, um paciente apresentou redução significativa de volumoso linfangioleiomioma retroperitoneal. CONCLUSÕES: Nossos achados confirmam que os inibidores de mTOR são benéficos para pacientes com LAM, especialmente para aqueles com manifestações extrapulmonares, tais como angiomiolipomas renais, linfangioleiomiomas e derrames de origem quilosa. Entretanto, alguns pontos, tais como a dose ideal, a duração do tratamento e os efeitos adversos em longo prazo, ainda precisam ser esclarecidos para que os inibidores de mTOR possam ser incorporados na abordagem da LAM. .

Avaliação do impacto de um programa de reabilitação pulmonar na capacidade de exercício em portadoras de linfangioleiomiomatose

Introdução: A linfangioleiomiomatose (LAM) é uma neoplasia de baixo grau, frequentemente associada à redução na capacidade de exercício, secundária a múltiplos fatores incluindo alteração de troca gasosa, limitação ventilatória e hiperinsuflação dinâmica (HD). A reabilitação pulmonar (RP) tem benefícios bem estabelecidos em diversas doenças pulmonares crônicas, porém não foi estudada na LAM. Objetivos: Avaliar o impacto de um programa de RP, comparativamente a um grupo controle, em portadoras de LAM, nos seguintes parâmetros: capacidade de exercício (objetivo primário), HD, dispneia, nível de atividade física diária, qualidade de vida, ansiedade e depressão, função pulmonar e força muscular. Metodologia: Ensaio clínico, controlado, não-randomizado, incluindo 21 pacientes com LAM no grupo RP e 19 no grupo controle. A RP teve duração de 3 meses, compreendendo 24 sessões de uma hora de duração (30 minutos de exercício aeróbico e 30 minutos de treinamento de força muscular). A avaliação inicial incluiu um teste de exercício cardiopulmonar (TECP) máximo incremental. As seguintes variáveis foram avaliadas antes e após a RP ou observação (grupo controle): capacidade de exercício, através do tempo até o limite da tolerância (Tlim) no teste de exercício cardiopulmonar (TECP) com carga constante; distância percorrida e dessaturação de oxigênio no teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6M); dispneia (escala de dispneia do Medical Research Council modificada - mMRC, Índice de Dispneia Basal - BDI, e Índice Transicional de Dispneia - TDI); nível de atividade física diária (pedômetro); qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (Questionário Respiratório de St George's, SGRQ); ansiedade e depressão (Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão, HADS); provas de função pulmonar (PFP) e força muscular (uma repetição máxima, 1 RM)...

Introduction: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a low-grade neoplasm, which is frequently associated with reduced exercise capacity, secondary to multiple factors including gas exchange impairment, ventilatory limitation and dynamic hyperinflation (DH). Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has proven benefits in many chronic pulmonary diseases but it was not evaluated in LAM. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of a PR program in women with LAM, when compared to a control group, in the following parameters: exercise capacity (primary outcome), DH, dyspnea, daily physical activity, quality of life, anxiety and depression, lung function and muscle strength. Methods: A non-randomized controlled clinical trial that included 21 LAM patients in the PR group and 19 in the control group. The PR program lasted 3 months, comprising 24 sessions of 1 hour (30 minutes of aerobic exercise and 30 minutes of muscle strength training). The initial evaluation included a maximum incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). The following variables were assessed before and after PR or observation (control group): exercise capacity using the tolerable limit duration (Tlim) in constant work rate (CWR) exercise testing; walking distance and oxygen desaturation (six-minute walk test, 6MWT), dyspnea (Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale -mMRC; Basal Dyspnea Index - BDI, and Transitional Dyspnea Index -TDI); daily physical activity (pedometer); health-related quality of life (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, SGRQ); anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS); pulmonary function tests (PFT) and muscle strength (one-repetition maximum, 1RM)...

Successful management of bilateral refractory chylothorax after double lung transplantation for lymphangioleiomyomatosis

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis [LAM] is a rare disease that leads to airways and lymphatic channels obstruction due to abnormal smooth muscle proliferation. It presents with dyspnea, pneumothorax or chylothorax. Lung transplantation [LT] has emerged as a valuable therapeutic option with limited reports. We report a case of LAM that underwent double LT and complicated by refractory bilateral chylothorax which was managed successfully by povidone-iodine pleurodesis and the addition of sirolimus to the post-transplantation immunosuppressive therapy. The patient has no recurrence with 24 months follow-up.