Sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis with bloody sputum as an initial symptom: A case report and review of the literature

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is an extremely rare lung disease affecting females of a childbearing age. The condition occurs sporadically or in association with tuberous sclerosis complex. The diagnosis of LAM is often delayed since the clinical symptoms and signs are non-specific. The present study reports the a case of a patient with LAM, in which bloody sputum was presented as the initial symptom. The 43-year-old female had experienced a small amount of bloody sputum over the previous five years. The patient was admitted to the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Taizhou People's Hospital (Taizhou, China) in 2012, reporting symptoms of a cough, shortness of breath and bloody sputum over the previous 10 days. A high-resolution computed tomography scan revealed multiple small circular thin-walled translucent areas in both lung fields. The initial diagnosis of the patient was LAM. A biopsy was performed using a video-assisted thoracoscopy. In conclusion, increased awareness and early diagnosis and treatment were determined to be key factors in ensuring a satisfactory prognosis.