Lymphangioleiomyomatosis

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Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare, slowly progressive growth of smooth muscle cells throughout the lungs.
(See also Overview of Interstitial Lung Diseases.)
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is rare. It occurs only in women, usually women between the ages of 20 and 40 years. The cause is unknown.
Affected women usually have shortness of breath. Sometimes cough, chest pain, and coughing up blood (hemoptysis) also occur. Symptoms may worsen during pregnancy. Sometimes the first indication of the disease is when a lung collapses (pneumothorax) for no apparent reason. Sometimes fluid collects in the sac that covers the lungs (pleura).
The disorder tends to progress slowly, but eventually lung function deteriorates into respiratory failure. The rate of progression varies widely, but progression may accelerate during pregnancy.