Can lymphangioleiomyomatosis be cured by “combination therapy”?

  Lymphangioleiomyomata are formed by malformations in the development of lymphatic vessels and are congenital vascular malformations, previously known as lymphangioleiomyomata. They are often located at multiple sites on the body surface and have a limited, diffuse or multifocal distribution. Lymphangioleiomyomorphic lesions are extensive and often affect function and aesthetics. In recent years, there has been a gradual increase in the understanding of the disease and significant progress has been made in its diagnosis and treatment. Imaging examination and puncture biopsy can improve its diagnostic rate, and we apply color Doppler combined with MRI three-dimensional imaging localization for imaging diagnosis of lymphatic duct malformation to clarify the site of the malformation, morphological realm and internal structure of the luminal cavity, providing an objective basis for sclerotherapy and complete surgical resection. From January 2009 to December 2013, we used drug injection sclerosis combined with revision surgery for different types and needs of patients, treating 79 patients, 52 patients with simple sclerosis, 12 patients with surgical resection and revision, and 15 patients with comprehensive treatment. We used intracapsular injection of bleomycin or anhydrous alcohol to achieve the treatment purpose by destroying the endothelial cells in the bursa of lymphatic duct malformation, causing fibrosis in the bursa wall and inhibiting the secretion of lymphatic fluid. In cases where injection therapy is not effective and certain areas are not suitable for injection therapy, complete surgical excision and flap repair are used. In conclusion, sclerotherapy or complete excision of lymphatic duct malformation is possible on the basis of imaging diagnosis, and complete excision of the lesioned tissue and repair with a skin flap combined with plastic surgery principles can lead to radical cure of lymphatic duct malformation and satisfactory morphological recovery.