Case report
Regression of Pulmonary Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (PLAM)-associated Retroperitoneal Angiomyolipoma Post–Lung Transplantation With Rapamycin Treatment

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Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (PLAM) is an indication for lung transplantation (LTx). Angiomyolipomas occur in approximately 50% to 60% of patients with PLAM. We describe a patient presenting with hemoptysis post-LTx for PLAM. Computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated no pulmonary abnormality, but identified a retroperitoneal mass confirmed as angiomyolipoma by CT-guided core biopsy. Based on experimental work that rapamycin may inhibit angiomyolipoma cells, we commenced the patient on low-dose rapamycin. She had no adverse reactions and follow-up CT scan after 7 months demonstrated almost complete resolution of the tumor. This suggests a role for rapamycin in routine post-LTx immunosuppression for PLAM.

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Case Report

A 34-year-old woman with PLAM was referred to our unit for LTx in 2003. PLAM was diagnosed after cholecystectomy, based on a chest CT scan performed after suspicion of aspiration pneumonia. From diagnosis to transplantation, she experienced a rapid deterioration with hypoxemic respiratory failure, progressive dyspnea and significant exercise limitation with associated oxygen desaturation.

CT scan of the abdomen was reported as normal pre-Tx, although it was not reviewed at our unit. She was

Discussion

We contend that the introduction of low-dose rapamycin produced a significant reduction in size of the retroperitoneal angiomyolipoma in this patient. We did not significantly alter the cyclosporine levels, but azathioprine was ceased. At our institution, we have an inadvertent “control period” of 20 months, including 14 months of triple immunosuppression with full-dose cyclosporine, azathioprine and prednisolone. During this period the retroperitoneal tumor had not altered significantly in

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