An elderly woman with Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome having multiple pulmonary cysts mimicking lymphangioleiomyomatosis

Abstract

The characteristics of the pulmonary cysts on the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest images are an important diagnostic clue to distinguish among cystic lung diseases. The diagnostic accuracy of HRCT was reported to be as high as 90% by experienced pulmonologists and radiologists. Herein, we report the case of an elderly woman with Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome (BHDS) whose HRCT images displayed lymphangioleiomyomatosis-like features of the pulmonary cysts, rendering it difficult for us to diagnose BHDS. This case illustrates the significance of a thorough anamnesis, physical examination, and skin biopsy of facial papules to establish an accurate diganosis.