[Abdominal cystic lymphangiomas in children. Clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects: apropos of 21 cases]

Abstract

Twenty-one abdominal cystic lymphangiomas were observed in paediatric patients during a 15-year period, in 11 boys and 10 girls. Diagnosis was prenatal in 2 cases; the mean age of the other 19 children was 4.7 years (range: 3 months-8 years). Tumours were intraperitoneal in 16 cases and retroperitoneal in 5 cases. Symptoms were variable: abdominal pain in 15 cases, palpable tumour in 6 cases (excluding the two cases of prenatal diagnosis). Complications included obstruction in 7 cases (including 3 by volvulus), infection in 6 cases, and intracystic haemorrhage in 3 cases. Abdominal ultrasonography correctly established the diagnosis in all children. Surgical treatment included 20 complete resections and one incomplete resection, including 6 with bowel resections. With a follow-up ranging from 6 months to 10 years, one recurrence occurred and was successfully reoperated. Intraabdominal cystic lymphangioma in childhood is a rare tumour with a variable presentation. An accurate diagnosis can be established by abdominal ultrasound. Complete resection should be performed whenever possible.