Endobronchial epithelioid leiomyoma (leiomyoblastoma) causing complete right-lung atelectasis: A case report.
Bassel Ibrahim, Raneem Ahmad, Youssef Abbas et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 45-year-old woman presented with progressive exertional dyspnea and a persistent dry cough, leading to the discovery of complete right-lung atelectasis. Imaging revealed a mass occluding the right main bronchus, confirmed as an endobronchial epithelioid leiomyoma after resection. The patient underwent right upper and middle bilobectomy, with successful recovery and no symptoms 13 months post-surgery.
What made this case unusual
The case highlights a rare benign endobronchial tumor causing complete unilateral lung collapse, which can mimic malignant conditions.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider rare benign tumors like endobronchial epithelioid leiomyoma in patients with significant airway obstruction and atypical imaging findings.
Why it matters
Understanding the potential for benign tumors to cause severe respiratory complications can aid in timely diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention.