Rapid growth and regression of intracranial meningiomas in lymphangioleiomyomatosis: case report.
BACKGROUND
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a progressive interstitial lung disease that affects young women. It has been suggested that estrogens play a role in its evolution, and progesterone therapy is often provided in these cases.


METHODS
We present a case of a postmenopausal woman with LAM treated with progesterone; subsequently, rapid growth of multiple intracranial meningiomas was observed. One prominent lesion was excised, and 3 other lesions regressed spontaneously over 2 years.


CONCLUSIONS
This is a rare case of a non-pregnancy-related regression of meningiomas in a woman affected by LAM. The significance of this association and the hormonal treatment of the disease are discussed.
Pozzati
Eugenio
E
Division of Neurosurgery and Service of Pathology, Bellaria Hospital and Respiratory Pathophysiology, S. Orsola Policlinic, Bologna 40100, Italy. Electronic address: eugenio.pozzati@ausl.bologna.it.
Zucchelli
Mino
M
Division of Neurosurgery and Service of Pathology, Bellaria Hospital and Respiratory Pathophysiology, S. Orsola Policlinic, Bologna 40100, Italy.
Schiavina
Mario
M
Division of Neurosurgery and Service of Pathology, Bellaria Hospital and Respiratory Pathophysiology, S. Orsola Policlinic, Bologna 40100, Italy.
Contini
Paola
P
Division of Neurosurgery and Service of Pathology, Bellaria Hospital and Respiratory Pathophysiology, S. Orsola Policlinic, Bologna 40100, Italy.
Foschini
Maria Pia
MP
Division of Neurosurgery and Service of Pathology, Bellaria Hospital and Respiratory Pathophysiology, S. Orsola Policlinic, Bologna 40100, Italy.
D000075202:Contraindications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018192:Lymphangioleiomyomatosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D008579:Meningioma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011374:Progesterone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011372:Progestins / Q000009:adverse effects*
D011372:Progestins; D011374:Progesterone