Multifocal micronodular pneumocyte hyperplasia associated with tuberous sclerosis: differentiation from multiple atypical adenomatous hyperplasia

Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2008 Jun;38(6):451-4. doi: 10.1093/jjco/hyn042. Epub 2008 Jun 5.

Abstract

We report a peculiar case of multifocal micronodular pneumocyte hyperplasia (MMPH) in a 54-year-old woman with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) diagnosed during antituberculous treatment. Findings were initially detected by chest computed tomography (CT) to check for complication of pulmonary tuberculosis. Chest CT demonstrated multiple small nodules with ground-glass opacity, measuring up to 5 mm diameter, presenting in the bilateral lung fields, without cystic change. Because the differentiation from multiple atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH) was necessary, we finally performed a diagnosis of MMPH based on specimens obtained by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Histologically, type II pneumocytes without nuclear atypia lined the thickened alveolar septa and proliferated papillary structures. There was no proliferation of immature smooth muscle cells suggestive of lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Although immunohistochemical stains for cytokeratin and surfactant apoprotein A and B were positive for alveolar lining cells in each MMPH lesion, those for HMB-45, alpha-smooth muscle actin, p53 and carcinoembryonic antigen were negative. We must consider MMPH as part of the differential diagnosis along with multiple AAH when multiple small nodules with ground-glass opacity were observed on chest CT in patients with TSC.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia / diagnosis
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung / pathology*
  • Lung / surgery
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Diseases / pathology
  • Lung Diseases / surgery
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Middle Aged
  • Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / drug therapy
  • Tuberous Sclerosis / complications*
  • Tuberous Sclerosis / diagnosis*
  • Tuberous Sclerosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Tuberous Sclerosis / pathology
  • Tuberous Sclerosis / surgery