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. 2015 Nov 20;128(22):3043-9.
doi: 10.4103/0366-6999.169061.

Clinical Analysis of Intraperitoneal Lymphangioma

Affiliations

Clinical Analysis of Intraperitoneal Lymphangioma

Qing Li et al. Chin Med J (Engl). .

Abstract

Background: Intraperitoneal lymphangioma (IL) used to be thought of as a benign lymphatic malformation with a low rate of preoperative diagnosis. This retrospective study aimed to explore the connection between the cysts and clinical manifestation and imaging characteristics, and to study diagnostic confusion, therapeutic principles and potential recurrent reasons, to further enhance the comprehension of this rare disease.

Methods: Here, we retrospectively reviewed 21 patients diagnosed with IL. Age, sex, complaints, physical findings, and imaging features of each patient were documented. The therapies, postoperative complications and treatments were discussed.

Results: Symptomatology included eight patients (38%) with intermittent dull pain in the abdomen, and three patients (14%) complained of abdominal persistent pain. The physical examination revealed an abdominal mass in 16 patients (76%), and eight (38%) were reported no discomfort. IL was correctly established preoperatively in 19 patients (90%). Patients were treated using laparotomy, except one who was treated with laparoscopy. Two recurrences were noted during follow-up.

Conclusions: IL should be suspected in any patient with a mobile abdominal mass and surgery is required immediately after discovery of the tumor.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Abdominal computed tomography scan (a) and computed tomography contrast enhancement (b) show an intra-abdominal cystic mass. Computed tomography clearly showed a cystic mass with homogeneous internal density and no contrast enhancement after intravenous injection. Retroperitoneal cyst was indicated by red arrow.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Magnetic resonance imaging showing the cystic lesion in retroperitoneum. Coronal images (a and b), sagittal image (c). Magnetic resonance imaging showed the mass as hyperintense on T2-weighted sequences, suggesting fluid content, with regular margins, thin walls, and internal septa. Red arrow referred to be a large cyst in retroperitoneum.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Resection was performed by laparoscopy. Laparoscopic mass (a and b). Polycyclic edge and internal hydatid fluid was observed during the surgery. Red arrow referred to be a cyst with clear liquid.

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