
Recurrent pneumothoraces with diffuse small ground‐glass and solid nodules
Author(s) -
Hui Li Yan Sandra,
Cheng Xin Min,
Soo Ing Xiang,
Low Su Ying
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
respirology case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 2051-3380
DOI - 10.1002/rcr2.870
Subject(s) - medicine , tuberous sclerosis , lymphangioleiomyomatosis , pathology , ground glass opacity , hyperplasia , radiology , adenocarcinoma , cancer
Multifocal micronodular pneumocyte hyperplasia (MMPH) is the lesser known pulmonary manifestation of tuberous sclerosis. It manifests radiologically as diffuse small ground‐glass and solid nodules. Accurate diagnosis is essential as it can be mistaken for miliary tuberculosis or malignant lesions which necessitates specific treatment. Constellation of radiological features such as multicentric disease at onset and stability over time can help to distinguish MMPH from its differentials. Histologically, MMPH is characterized by hamartomatous proliferation of type II pneumocytes with a lack of high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio. MMPH confers a benign prognosis unlike its differentials. Therefore, accurate diagnosis is paramount in ensuring appropriate care is delivered. Here, we describe the radiological and histological features of MMPH in a patient with genetically proven tuberous sclerosis complex and co‐existing lymphangioleiomyomatosis.