Hepatic lymphangiomatosis mimicking polycystic liver disease

Abstract

Hepatic lymphangiomatosis is a rare disorder characterized by cystic dilatation of the lymphatic vessels in the hepatic parenchyma. It can occur in the liver alone, in the liver and spleen, or in multiple organs. Clinically, diagnosis can be difficult because of the rarity and protean manifestations of this disorder. We describe a 53-year-old woman with hepatic lymphangiomatosis in whom polycystic liver disease had been previously diagnosed. In addition, we review 12 cases of hepatic, splenic, and hepatosplenic lymphangiomatosis with or without systemic lymphangiomatosis and discuss the differential diagnosis.