Lung Transplant Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Lung Transplant, including details on risks, prognosis, procedure, surgery, organ donation.

Regression of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (PLAM)-associated retroperitoneal angiomyolipoma post-lung transplantation with rapamycin treatment.

Morton JM, McLean C, Booth SS, Snell GI, Whitford HM

Lung Transplant Service, Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Monash University, The Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria, Australia. judy.morton@bigpond.com

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.

Published 31 March 2008 in J Heart Lung Transplant, 27(4): 462-5.
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