Intraabdominal lymphangioma: A case report

Abstract

Discussion Intraabdominal cystic lymphangioma of the mesentery is a rare congenital lesion with a relatively low growth potential. It is typically found in young adults and presents with chronic features. In younger children, the lymphatic malformations are aggressive [2]. Lymphangiomas are prone to recurrence and infiltrating growth. These benign lesions usually present as painless abdominal distension or with complications like volvulus, infection, intracystic hemorrhage and intestinal obstruction. The preoperative diagnosis is difficult, without a high index of suspicion. Most of the cases can be diagnosed USG abdomen [3]. In some cases confirmation of diagnosis may require additional investigations like CT or magnetic resonance Introduction Lymphangiomas are the commonest tumours of infancy and 75% occur in the cervical region. 90% of all lymphangiomas manifest in the initial two years of life. However, intraabdominal lymphangiomas are rare, usually slow growing and manifest in early adulthood [1]. Mesenteric cystic lymphangioma is a rare cause of bowel obstruction and preoperative diagnosis is difficult due to silent clinical course.We present a case of intraabdominal lymphangioma in an infant which presented as a diagnostic dilemma.