Lymphangioma: surrounding the ovarian vein and ovary

Αdnexal cystic lymphangiomas in patients with massive leiomyomatous uterus: a not so uncommon finding on pelvic MRI

PURPOSE

To investigate any association between the presence of an adnexal cystic lymphangioma (ACL) and an enlarged leiomyomatous uterus.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted by two expert radiologists using a 10-year MRI database (2008-2018); 85 patients (mean age: 45.5 years ± 10.9) were considered eligible due to the presence of a single (n = 31) or multiple (n = 54) leiomyomas causing distortion of the uterine contour and uterine enlargement. The association of specific leiomyoma features (longest diameter (Dmax), location, number) and uterine volume with the presence of ACL was statistically tested. Diagnosis of ACL was based on typical imaging features (n = 14) and intraoperative/histological findings (n = 3).

RESULTS

ACL (unilateral = 9, bilateral = 8) was recorded in 17/85 (20%) of patients; it was more frequently observed when the largest leiomyoma was located in the uterine fundus (33.3%). Patients with ACL had significantly more leiomyomas (median: 5 vs. 2, p = 0.043), greater Dmax of largest leiomyoma (median: 13.3 vs. 7.2 cm, p < 0.001), and larger uterine volumes (median: 676.7 vs. 223.1 cm³, p < 0.001) compared to patients without ACL. ROC curve analysis for a number of leiomyomas showed that the optimal cut-off for the prediction of ACL was the presence of 5 leiomyomas with 53.8% sensitivity and 84% specificity (AUC = 0.65, 95% CI 0.51-0.83, p = 0.049), Dmax of largest leiomyoma 9.1 cm with 76.5% sensitivity and 77.9% specificity (AUC = 0.83, 95% CI 0.73-0.94, p < 0.001), and uterine volume 311 cm³ with 71% sensitivity and 75% specificity (AUC = 0.79, 95% CI 0.66-0.92, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of ACL is significantly associated with number of leiomyomas, Dmax of largest leiomyoma, and uterine volume; prospective evaluation of our results is needed to investigate its clinical significance.

New Approach to Rare Pediatric Multicystic Mesenteric Lymphangioma; Would It Guide the Development of Targeted Therapy?

In children, lymphangiomas are extremely rare pathologic entities that are characterized by unusual locations. The mesenteric localization is extremely rare in children, and the clinical signs usually mimic an acute abdominal syndrome. For most of the cases, their diagnosis is established by the radiologist, and the main therapeutic option is represented by surgery for lesion removal. We hereby describe the case of a 4 year old girl admitted to the pediatric emergency department for continuous abdominal pain, more intense in the orthostatic position, associated with abdominal distension, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms raised the clinical suspicion of acute abdominal syndrome. The patient had no previous clinically significant events. Radiologic examination suggested a mesenteric multicystic lymphangioma certified by surgical and histopathological evaluation. No specific targeted therapy is currently available; moreover, no specific criteria for recurrences have been stated. A new approach of infantile lymphangiomas following surgery, regarding the use of specific lymphatic markers panel including D2-40, Prox-1, VEGFR-3, PDGFs, and Ki67 may improve the characterization of such lesions regarding their prognosis, recurrence rate and targeted therapy implementation especially for those with a more aggressive or recurrent behavior.

Cases of atypical lymphangiomas in children

Background. Lymphatic malformations or lymphangiomas are rare benign hamartomas that result from maldevelopment of primitive lymphatic sacs. They are most frequently found in the neck and axilla, while intra-abdominal and mediastinal lymphangiomas are uncommon. These are primarily tumours of infancy and childhood and are successfully treated with surgical excision. Summary of Cases. Five cases of lymphangioma comprising three intra-abdominal lymphangiomas and two unilateral axillary lymphangiomas presenting at one institution in Trinidad W.I. between 2005 and 2012 were examined. The presentations, location, workup, treatment, and outcome of these patients were studied. Conclusion. This paper discusses a range of extracervical lymphangioma cases seen at San Fernando General Hospital, Trinidad W.I. We report three intra-abdominal cases and the most common clinical presentations were abdominal pain and distension. Also two axillary cases were reported, which presented as painless axillary masses. The major concerns for excision of axillary lymphangioma by parents and surgeons were cosmesis and feasibility of complete resection without disruption of developing breast tissue and axillary vessels. We believe that ultrasound scan is very good at detection of the lesion, while CT is better at determining tumour content and planning for the operation. It is our opinion that complete surgical excision can be achieved.