A rare case of a large mesenteric lymphangioma in a 2-year-old child: Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction and significance: Lymphangiomas are benign tumors that are typically found in the neck and armpit region but can also occur in other locations. The clinical presentation varies depending on their location and size, and surgical resection is the primary treatment option.

Case presentation: We present the case of a child who presented with a painless and non-obstructing abdominal mass. The mass was diagnosed and underwent complete surgical resection. Subsequent tissue analysis confirmed that the cyst was a lymphangioma.

Clinical discussion: These tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions in the abdomen, and the importance of performing complete surgical resection is emphasized.

Conclusion: The importance of complete surgical resection for mesenteric lymphangioma must be emphasized. Partial resection or aspiration should not be performed due to the risk of complications associated with these procedures and the increased risk of recurrence.

Keywords: Case report; Lymphangiomas; Lymphatic malformation; Pediatric surgery.

Fig. 1

A: CT/cross axial view showing the beginning of the cystic formation appears with fluid content within it and compression of the bowel loops where the blue color indicates the cyst. B: CT/cross-axial view showing the cyst extending into the pelvis, almost filling the pelvis with the cystic formation. C: CT/cross axial view showing the cystic formation is located in front of the bladder and compresses both the bladder and rectum where the green color indicates the cyst, the blue color indicates the rectal and the yellow color indicates the bladder.

Fig. 2

A: Intraoperative image showing the large lymphangioma attached to the intestine on both sides. B: Image showing complete resection of the lymphangioma with the attached intestine. C: Intraoperative image showing ileal anastomosis in place of the lymphangioma before closing the mesenteric defect.

Fig. 3

A: Histopathologic examination of the lesion shows lymphoid aggregates and dilated lymphatic channels lined with endothelium.