Disease Directory Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Respiratory

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis

Also known as: LAM, TSC-LAM, sporadic LAM

Prevalence

Approximately 3–5 per million women

Onset

Adult (typically women of childbearing age)

Type

Rare progressive lung disease

Gene

TSC2, TSC1

About Lymphangioleiomyomatosis

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare, slowly progressive cystic lung disease caused by mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, leading to abnormal smooth muscle-like cell proliferation in the lungs. It almost exclusively affects women and may occur sporadically or in association with tuberous sclerosis complex. Over time, the cystic destruction of lung tissue results in declining lung function and, in some cases, respiratory failure.

Common Clinical Features

Progressive dyspnoea on exertion Recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax Chylothorax (chylous pleural effusion) Chronic cough Haemoptysis Abdominal angiomyolipomas Fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance

Clinical Trial Eligibility Tips

What to know before applying to Lymphangioleiomyomatosis trials.

Trials often require confirmed diagnosis via HRCT showing bilateral pulmonary cysts plus serum VEGF-D elevation or TSC mutation; ensure documentation is up to date.

Many studies exclude women who are pregnant or breastfeeding; clarify reproductive status before screening.

Baseline pulmonary function tests (FEV1, DLCO) are key eligibility metrics; obtain recent spirometry within study-specified windows.

Patient Resources

Patient Organization

LAM Foundation

Visit website ↗

Natural History Registry

LAM Foundation Registry

Join registry ↗

Orphanet

European reference resource for rare diseases (ORPHA:538)

View on Orphanet ↗

NORD

National Organization for Rare Disorders

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Find recruiting Lymphangioleiomyomatosis trials

Search 500,000+ studies from ClinicalTrials.gov, filtered for Lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Updated daily.

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