Imaging features of lymphangioleiomyomatosis: diagnostic pitfalls.

Abstract

The objective of this article is to illustrate CT findings that may be misinterpreted and lead to unnecessary biopsy or surgical procedures in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Sequelae of pleurodesis, acutely hemorrhagic renal angiomyolipomas, and lymphatic involvement with lymphangioleiomyomatosis including enlarged lymph nodes and lymphangioleiomyomas are common benign conditions seen in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis that may be misdiagnosed on CT for malignancy and may prompt unnecessary biopsy and surgery. Ruptured abdominal pelvic lymphangioleiomyomas may be mistaken for appendicitis and other acute abdominal pelvic events.