Diffuse Thoracic Lymphangiomatosis: Diagnosis and Treatment

Histologically, lymphangiomatosis is a rare type of benign neoplasm caused by abnormal development and proliferation of the lymphatic system. Thoracic lymphangiomatosis can present in a localized (lymphangioma) or diffuse form (lymphangiomatosis). In most cases the disease progresses to serious morbidity or even death. The treatment of choice for localized disease is usually surgery or, less frequently, local injection of sclerosing agents (streptococcus antigen OK-432). However, in diffuse forms there is a gelatinous infiltrate without defined limits. In these cases the main treatment option is radiotherapy. We report 2 cases of diffuse thoracic lymphangiomatosis with pulmonary infiltrate. In both cases radiotherapy in appropriate doses successfully eliminated pulmonary infiltrates, pleural effusion, dyspnea, and general discomfort. Surgery was needed to resolve complications of the disease and for diagnosis.