Abdominal lymphatic malformations

Mesenteric and omental lymphatic malformations in children: seven-year surgical experience from two centers in China

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical characteristics, surgical management and prognosis of mesenteric lymphatic malformations (ML) and omental lymphatic malformations (OL) in children.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 148 ML patients and 53 OL patients who underwent surgical treatment at two centers between January 2016 and December 2022. Details about the patients' clinical characteristics, cyst characteristics, preoperative complications, surgical methods, and prognosis were retrieved and compared.

RESULTS

No significant differences in sex ratio, prenatal diagnosis, or age of diagnosis were noted between ML and OL patients. Vomiting was more common in ML patients than in OL patients (46.6% vs. 22.6%, P = 0.002), but OL patients were more likely to be misdiagnosed (35.8% vs. 18.9%, P = 0.012). The size of the cysts in OL patients was significantly larger than that in ML patients (14.0 [4.0-30.0] vs. 10.0 [2.0-50.0] cm, P<0.001), and cysts with turbid fluid were more common in OL patients (38.0% vs. 20.6%, P<0.001). More OL patients than ML patients had preoperative hemorrhage or infection of cysts (41.5% vs. 31.8%, P<0.016). Cyst excision was performed in 137 (92.6%) ML patients and 51 (96.2%) OL patients, and the incidence of postoperative complications was lower (12.6% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.165) among OL patients. The main postoperative complications included adhesive ileus and recurrence of cysts. Additionally, more OL patients than ML patients were treated with laparoscopic surgery (69.8% vs. 39.2%, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There were differences in clinical characteristics, cyst characteristics and preoperative complications between ML and OL patients. Cyst excision was the most common surgical method that was used to treat both ML and OL patients, and laparoscopic surgery could be a feasible surgical approach for treating OL patients with a good prognosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered.

Generalized cystic lymphangiomatosis incidentally diagnosed in an asymptomatic adult: Imaging findings of a very rare case

Lymphangiomas are benign lesions of vascular origin with lymphatic differentiation, most commonly found in the head and neck. Generalized lymphangiomatosis is a very rare condition in adults, which is characterized by a diffuse proliferation of lymphatic vessels. The lymphangioma is composed of lymphatic endothelium-lined cystic spaces. This condition can be histologically differentiated from other vascular disorders such as cavernous or capillary hemangioma. However, many cases of lymphangioma can be confused with other vascular disorders, because of overlapping histologic findings. radiologic examinations, such as CT scan and MR imaging, are useful for assessing the morphologic feature and also the extent of disease, it is important to know the radiologic findings of generalized lymphangiomatosis. In this paper, we report a case of generalized lymphangiomatosis in a 42-year-old male who presented with left flank pain and hematuria. The first differential diagnosis was renal colic; hence he underwent an abdominopelvic computed tomography scan (CT scan). In the performed CT scan multiple cystic lesions were seen in the liver and spleen. Also, lytic lesions were seen in bones. CT-guided biopsy was performed and the result was compatible with generalized lymphangiomatosis, confirmed by cytology. Generalized lymphangiomatosis is a rarely reported disease in children and young adults. Delayed diagnosis in older patients or misdiagnosis is common due to its rarity and nonspecific clinical presentation. Different imaging modalities can incidentally diagnose the disease in asymptomatic patients. So radiologists should be aware of the disease manifestations in imaging modalities to diagnose the disease sooner and help the clinician start the therapy if needed.

Preoperative complications in children with mesenteric lymphatic malformations: Incidence, risk factors and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Preoperative complications of mesenteric lymphatic malformations (ML) in children are various and complex. We aim to analyze the incidences and risk factors of three major preoperative complications (hemorrhage of the cyst, infection of the cyst and intestinal volvulus) in ML patients, and explore their influence on the outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study enrolled ML patients undergoing surgery at Beijing Children's Hospital between June 2016 and June 2022 and classified them according to different preoperative complications, preoperative hemorrhage or infection, and preoperative intestinal volvulus. The groups were examined and compared according to sex, age at admission, presenting symptoms, laboratory examinations, imaging examinations, preoperative treatments, cyst characteristics, surgical details, perioperative clinical data, and follow-up. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors for preoperative hemorrhage or infection, and preoperative intestinal volvulus.

RESULTS

Of the 104 enrolled ML patients, 27 (26.0%) had preoperative hemorrhage or infection, and 22 (21.2%) had preoperative intestinal volvulus. Univariate analysis showed that patients with preoperative hemorrhage or infection had a higher rate of ML in the mesocolon (44.4 vs. 23.4%, p < 0.038) and larger cysts (10 vs. 8 cm, p = 0.042) than patients without preoperative hemorrhage or infection. Multivariable logistic regression analysis found that the location (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.1-8.6; p = 0.026) and size of the cyst (≥7.5 cm) (OR, 6.2; 95% CI, 1.6-23.4; p = 0.007) were independent risk factors for preoperative hemorrhage or infection. Preoperative intestinal volvulus was only found in ML at the intestinal mesentery. Further analysis showed that ML in the jejunal mesentery was an independent risk factor for preoperative intestinal volvulus (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.1-10.0; p = 0.027). Patients with preoperative hemorrhage or infection spent more on hospitalization costs than patients without preoperative hemorrhage or infection (3,000 vs. 2,674 dollars, p = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

ML patients should be treated as soon as possible after diagnosis. The location and size of the cyst were independent risk factors for preoperative hemorrhage or infection. ML in the jejunal mesentery was an independent risk factor for preoperative intestinal volvulus.

Inguinal prolapse of a retroperitoneal lymphovascular malformation

Abdominal lymphovascular malformations (ALMs) are rare cystic masses that can present with nonspecific symptoms. We present a case of a 7-month-old boy who, during an uncomplicated communicating hydrocele repair, was found to have an incidental large, prolapsed mesenteric abdominal lymphovascular malformation. The case serves to highlight the variability in presentation and natural history of ALMs, and the ease with which they can be disguised by more common pathology. We further underscore the importance of individualized therapy with regards to ALMs, emphasized by our course of active surveillance allowing our patient to avoid ionizing radiation and additional surgical intervention.

Lymphatic malformations: a 20-year single institution experience

PURPOSE

Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are congenital abnormalities which result from disturbances in the embryologic development of the lymphatic system. We sought to determine the characteristics and treatment patterns for LMs in a rural setting, and the effect of a specialized vascular malformations clinic on triage and follow-up.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary care institution. Sixty-two patients were identified; chart review was completed to obtain demographic, surgery/sclerotherapy session and follow-up information.

RESULTS

The head/neck region was the most predominant LM location (N = 26, 41.9%), followed by trunk (N = 16, 25.8%), extremity (N = 11, 17.7%), and intraabdominal/retroperitoneal (N = 7, 11.3%). Twenty-eight patients were managed non-surgically, while 21, 7 and 6 patients required surgery, sclerotherapy, or both. Head/neck LMs were the most likely to recur (73%, p = 0.028). Patients seen in specialty clinic had similar duration of follow-up and time to intervention, but were more often below 1 year of age (p = 0.030). Average LM volume among patients with available imaging was much larger in those referred to specialty clinic (73.2 cm³ versus 14.8 cm³, p = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

Our experience reiterates not only the wide variety of clinical presentations of lymphatic malformations, but also demonstrates the necessity of multiple subspecialties and their collaboration to achieve prompt and efficacious treatment.

A 61-year-old woman with jejunal lymphatic malformation visualized on computed tomography: a case report

BACKGROUND

Jejunal lymphatic malformations are congenital lesions that are seldom diagnosed in adults and rarely seen on imaging.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 61-year-old Caucasian woman was initially diagnosed and treated for mucinous ovarian carcinoma. After an exploratory laparotomy with left salpingo-oophorectomy, a computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated suspicious fluid-containing lesions involving a segment of jejunum and adjacent mesentery. Resection of the lesion during subsequent debulking surgery revealed that the lesion seen on imaging was a jejunal lymphatic malformation and not a cancerous implant.

CONCLUSIONS

Abdominal lymphatic malformations are difficult to diagnose solely on imaging but should remain on the differential in adult cancer patients with persistent cystic abdominal lesions despite chemotherapy and must be differentiated from metastatic implants.

Intra-abdominal lymphatic malformation management in light of the updated International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies classification

BACKGROUND

The International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) classification distinguishes between common lymphatic malformations and complex lymphatic anomalies. These entities have overlapping features but differing responses to treatment. Surgery has been the mainstream treatment in intra-abdominal lymphatic malformation, with variable reported success in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to review the outcome of different treatments for intra-abdominal lymphatic malformations in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all intra-abdominal lymphatic malformations from 1999 to 2019 in children treated by the surgical team or followed in the vascular anomalies clinic of our institution. Children were classified into one of three groups: group A, isolated intra-abdominal lymphatic malformation; group B, common lymphatic malformation in continuity with other regions; or group C, intra-abdominal involvement as part of a complex lymphatic anomaly or associated syndrome.

RESULTS

Fifty intra-abdominal lymphatic malformations were diagnosed; five of these were excluded. In group A (n=28), the treatment was surgical resection (n=26) or sclerosing treatment (n=1), with one case of spontaneous regression; no recurrence was observed in 25 patients. In group B (n=7), three patients had partial resection and all had recurrence; four had sclerotherapy alone with good response. In group C (n=10), therapeutic options included surgery, sclerosing treatment and pharmacotherapy, with variable outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The management of intra-abdominal malformations requires a team approach. Sclerotherapy is successful in treating macrocystic lymphatic malformation. Surgery is successful in treating isolated intra-abdominal common lymphatic malformation, albeit at times at the cost of intestinal resection, which could be avoided by combining surgery with preoperative sclerotherapy. With surgery there is often limited resectability, and therefore recurrence in intra-abdominal lymphatic malformations that are part of complex lymphatic anomalies associated with syndromes, or in common lymphatic malformations in continuity with other regions. Sclerotherapy is an effective modality in these instances along with pharmacotherapy.

Generalized lymphangiomatosis-A rare manifestation of lymphatic malformation

Lymphangiomatosis is a rare benign proliferation and dilation of the lymphatic channels that can involve multiple organs with a variety of clinical presentations. We report a case of generalized lymphangiomatosis in a 16-year-old male who presented with a subcutaneous swelling and pain over his lower back area. The patient was diagnosed of generalized lymphangiomatosis with involvement of soft tissues, pulmonary, thoracic and lumbosacral vertebrae, and spinal canal which subsequently confirmed by cytology. In this case report, we aim to discuss radiological features of the relevant differentials, and the patient's symptoms. We also briefly discuss the treatment options as well as prognosis.

Successful treatment of large abdominal lymphatic malformations and chylous ascites with intra-abdominal lymphovenous anastomosis

Large abdominal lymphatic malformations (LMs) are rare and may occasionally cause life-threatening illness, especially when they involve the central lymphatic system, lumbar trunks, cisterna chyli, thoracic duct, and their major tributaries, forming complex lymphatic anomalies. These LMs are often accompanied by chylous leak in various locations, and treatment remains challenging. We report a case of large abdominal LM with chylous ascites, protein-losing enteropathy, vaginal chylous leak, and lower limb lymphedema successfully treated with microsurgical intra-abdominal lymphovenous anastomosis and discuss the technical details of the procedure.