Abdominal Cystic Lymphangioma in Adults

K Elatiqi*¹, Z Belhadj¹, MA Bicane², I Haraki³, B Finech², K Krati³, M Ouali Idrissi¹ and N Cherif Idrissi Ganouni¹

Received: November 29, 2018;   Published: December 11, 2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.11.002174

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Abstract

Cystic lymphangioma is a benign vascular tumor originating from the lymphatic pathways, mainly seen in children. This pathology has various locations dominated by the cranio-facial, cervical and axillary regions. Abdominal localization is rare, accounting for 7% of abdominal cysts in adults. We report the case of a 39-year-old patient with a left ectopic testicle, who consulted for chronic abdominal pain with a normal clinical examination. Ultrasound and CT were performed, showing a cystic intra-abdominal mass suggesting a mesenteric cystic lymphangioma extended to retroperitoneum. Surgical exploration found a cystic mass of the pancreas, extended to the mesentery and proximal jejunum, encompassing the mesenteric pedicle. The diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma was confirmed by histology. In adults, the mesenteric and retroperitoneal involvement are estimated to be less than 1% of cases. Clinical presentation can be very variable, so here comes the role of imaging in guiding the diagnosis, in the preoperative assessment and in the follow-up. The final diagnosis is made by histology.