Cystic lymphangioma of the pancreas

Cystic Lesions of the Pancreas: Differential Diagnosis and Cytologic-Histologic Correlation

CONTEXT.—

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are very common, and their detection is increasing with the advances in imaging techniques. Because of the major implications for management, distinguishing between neoplastic and nonneoplastic PCLs is critical. Neoplastic cysts with potential to progress into cancer include mucinous PCLs (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and mucinous cystic neoplasms) and nonmucinous cysts (solid pseudopapillary tumors, serous cystic neoplasms, and neuroendocrine tumors with cystic degeneration). Nonneoplastic cysts with no risk of malignant transformation include pseudocysts, retention cysts, lymphoepithelial cysts, cystic pancreatic lymphangioma, and duplication cyst/ciliated foregut cysts. The role of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) cytology with cyst fluid analysis in the diagnosis of PCLs has evolved during the last decade; however, a definitive diagnosis on cytologic specimens is hampered by the sparse cellularity and can be challenging. EUS-FNA can play an important role to differentiate low-risk from high-risk pancreatic cysts and to distinguish between patients with cysts who need clinical follow-up versus those who require surgery.

OBJECTIVE.—

To provide an integrative approach to diagnose pancreatic cystic lesions using EUS-FNA cytology and cyst fluid analysis, along with clinical, radiologic, histologic, genetic, and molecular characteristics.

DATA SOURCES.—

The review and analysis of the latest literature describing pancreatic cystic lesions.

CONCLUSIONS.—

Accurate diagnosis of PCLs requires a multidisciplinary and multimodal team approach, including the integration of clinical findings, imaging, cytology, cyst fluid analysis, and molecular testing.

Rare Case of Pancreatic Cystic Lymphangioma

Pancreatic cystic lymphangioma is an extremely rare tumor. The characteristic imaging findings are poorly defined, and distinguishing between this disease and other pancreatic cyst-related tumors is very difficult. We herein report a case of a Japanese woman in her 50s with this lesion, located in the tail of the pancreas. Pancreatic cystic lymphangioma should therefore be considered in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions. Laparoscopic resection can be a useful, minimally invasive surgical approach for treating these cysts as well as for the treatment of benign or low-grade malignant tumors located in the pancreatic body or tail.

Mesenteric lymphatic hygroma in adults: A case report with a review of the literature

Mesenteric lymphatic hygroma is a benign tumor of lymphatic origin that is rarely observed in adult patients. Congenital and developed non-specific symptoms, including abdominal distension, pain and ileus, develop at an early age in patients. This type of disease is usually reported by pediatric doctors, as referred to in the literature. The current study presents the case of a 23-year-old male in whom a polycystic mass in the mesentery was identified by computed tomography. The size of the tumor was measured to be 30×20×15 cm during surgery. The mass was excised completely with preservation of the intestine, duodenum, pancreas and other neighboring organs. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lymphatic hygroma. The post-operative recovery was uneventful, with the exception of chylous leakage for one week, which was relieved spontaneously. In addition, the present study presents a review of the previous literature concerning mesenteric lymphatic hygroma.

Peripancreatic cystic lymphangioma diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound/fine-needle aspiration: a rare mesenchymal tumour

A 73-year-old man presented with a 5-month history of intermittent nausea, vomiting, central abdominal discomfort and a 17-pound weight loss over the past year. Laboratory testing, including a complete blood count with differential, liver function testing, amylase and lipase studies were normal. A CT scan showed a bilobed cystic lesion inferior to the body of the pancreas. An endoscopic ultrasound revealed a 5.3×3.9 cm, anechoic, bilobed cystic lesion, extrinsic to the body of the pancreas with a 1-2 mm septation and a normal pancreas. Fine-needle aspiration revealed a milky-white aspirate with negative cytology. Laboratory assessment of the cystic aspirant revealed carcinoembryonic antigen 1.7 ng/mL, amylase 148 units/L, cholesterol 300 mg/dL, and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 3 units/mL. He underwent resection of the mass, with the histopathology confirming a diagnosis of peripancreatic lymphangioma. He did well after the surgery with interval resolution of his symptoms.

Huge cystic lymphangioma of the pancreas mimicking pancreatic cystic neoplasm

Lymphangiomas of the pancreas are very rare benign tumors of lymphatic origin, accounting for less than 1% of these neoplasms. We report a case of a 55-year-old woman who presented with a palpable mass in the left abdomen. Abdominal sonography and computed tomography showed a lobulated, hypodense mass extending from the left diaphragm to the pelvis, measuring 10 × 25 cm. A preoperative diagnosis of mucinous cystadenoma of the pancreas was suggested and the patient underwent laparotomy. Distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was performed, encompassing a segment of descending colon because of close relationship to the mass. The cystic mass was histologically diagnosed as lymphangioma of the pancreas. The patient is well and free of disease 12 months after surgery. Pancreatic lymphangioma should be kept in mind when a huge, multiloculated mass is encountered in the abdomen, especially in adult women. Although lymphangioma is considered a benign tumor, involvement of adjacent organs sometimes occurs and extended resection is required to obtain a radical treatment.

Splenic artery rupture during pregnancy concealed by a pancreatic lymphangioma: a rare co-occurrence

A pregnant woman presented to a local hospital with abdominal pain and hemorrhagic shock. Emergency caesarean section ruled out an obstetric cause and revealed a large mass, interpreted as a hematoma, with active bleeding of unknown origin. Because of her poor clinical condition, the patient was admitted to our hospital. Computed tomographic findings were suspicious for bleeding originating from the splenic artery. Laparotomy confirmed the presence of a ruptured splenic artery. A splenic artery aneurysm-a relatively well known entity during pregnancy-was absent. Hemostasis was achieved by clipping the artery. A large pancreatic cystic mass, which was misinterpreted earlier as a hematoma, was surgically removed. The pathologic examination revealed a pancreatic lymphangioma, an uncommon benign tumor. The ruptured splenic artery was presumably related to the pancreatic lymphangioma and vascular changes caused by pregnancy. A splenic artery rupture in co-occurrence of a pancreatic lymphangioma is a unique presentation which has not been reported previously.

Cystic lymphangioma of the pancreas with congenital intrahepatic duct dilatation and choledochal cyst

Cystic lymphangioma of the pancreas is an extremely rare benign tumor of lymphatic origin. We report on a 68-year-old woman who had experienced epigastric abdominal distension and nausea for over 1 year. Sonography revealed a cystic-solid mixed mass in the head of pancreas, with intrahepatic and extrahepatic duct dilatation. A diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma with congenital intrahepatic duct dilatation and choledochal cyst was made after excision and pathologic examination. Preoperative diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma of the pancreas is difficult, and carefulsonographic evaluation is required.

Cystic lymphangioma of the pancreas

Lymphangioma of the pancreas is an extremely rare benign tumour of lymphatic origin, with fewer than 60 published cases. Histologically, it is polycystic, with the cysts separated by thin septa and lined with endothelial cells. Though congenital, it can affect all age groups, and occurs more frequently in females. Patients usually present with epigastric pain and an associated palpable mass. Complete excision is curative, even though, depending on the tumour location, surgery may be simple or involve extensive pancreatic resection and anastomoses. The authors present a 49-year-old woman in whom a polycystic septated mass, 35 mm x 35 mm in size, was discovered by ultrasonography (US) in the body of the pancreas during investigations for epigastric pain and nausea. At surgery, a well circumscribed polycystic tumor was completely excised, with preservation of the pancreatic duct. The postoperative recovery was uneventful. Histology confirmed a microcystic lymphangioma of the pancreas. Immunohistochemistry showed cystic endothelial cells reactivity to factor VIII-RA (++), CD31 (+++) and CD34 (-). Postoperatively, abdominal pain disappeared and the patient remained symptomfree for 12 mo until now. Although extremely rare, lymphangioma of the pancreas should be taken into consideration as a differential diagnosis of a pancreatic cystic lesion, especially in women.

Pancreatic angiomatosis: report of a case

Recent advances in imaging techniques such as dynamic intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have enabled us to detect pancreatic cysts, some of which are potentially malignant. As the histopathological diagnosis cannot be confirmed preoperatively, enlarged pancreatic cysts are usually removed surgically. We report a rare case of pancreatic angiomatosis in a 21-year-old woman who presented with vague abdominal pain, a feeling of fullness, and nausea. Abdominal ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced CT, and MRI showed a huge mass in the right upper abdomen. We performed pylorus-preserving pancreato-duodenectomy, and the histopathological examination of the excised specimen revealed that the tumor was angiomatosis, probably originating from parapancreatic fibro-adipose tissue. She is doing well and has no evidence of recurrence 8 years after the operation. A complete surgical excision should be performed as curative treatment for pancreatic angiomatosis, which is an extremely rare disease when not associated with Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome.

Differential diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma of the pancreas based on imaging features

Lymphangioma is a benign tumor, which is a consequence of lymphatic malformation with blockage of lymphatic flow. Most lymphangiomas occur in the neck and axillary region, and < 1% occur in the mesentery or retroperitoneum. Lymphangiomas arising from the pancreas are extremely rare. We report the case of a 34-year-old woman with cystic lymphangioma of the pancreas without major symptoms or signs. A 6 x 6 cm intra-abdominal cystic mass was incidentally revealed by sonography during a health examination. It is always a challenge to differentiate the lesion from other possible cystic-like pancreatic neoplasms. Differential diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma from other cystic-like tumors of the pancreas can be performed based on their imaging characteristics, including presence of septa, cystic or wall calcification, soft tissue, wall thickness, single or multiple loculation, and dilatation of the pancreatic duct. Post-gadolinium magnetic resonance imaging is excellent in defining the origin of intra-abdominal cystic mass and intracystic septa.

Complex pancreatic vascular anomalies in children

BACKGROUND

Vascular anomalies are vascular tumors and congenital malformations that rarely involve the pancreas. Diagnosis and management of these lesions is complex.

METHODS

An institutional review board-approved retrospective database and record review from 1994 through 2004 at a quaternary referral center for vascular anomalies was conducted.

RESULTS

Of 5051 patients with a vascular anomaly, 6 had a lesion involving the pancreas. All patients were younger than 3 years. There were three tumors (two infantile hemangiomas and one Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma) and three malformations (two lymphatic and one venous). The referring diagnoses were correct for 4 patients. All anomalies were diagnosed with a combination of cross-sectional imaging and angiography. Five patients received medical therapy including two malformation patients who were initially treated with antiangiogenic drugs. Two patients with lymphatic malformations underwent operative intervention. One infantile hemangioma was treated with percutaneous biliary drainage for obstructive jaundice.

CONCLUSION

Complex pancreatic vascular anomalies are rare. Vascular tumors are generally amenable to treatment with antiangiogenic medications. Operative resection is reserved for refractory cases or complications. Symptomatic vascular malformations are treated exclusively by surgery. Evaluation and management of these lesions is complex and may benefit from coordinated interdisciplinary care.

Lymphangioma of the pancreas with "ovarian-like" mesenchymal stroma: a case report with emphasis on histogenesis

Pancreatic lymphangiomas, which occur predominantly in women, are rare and account for only 1% of all lymphangiomas. The characteristic histologic features include multiple cysts lined by endothelial cells, irregularly distributed smooth muscle cells, and lymphoid aggregates in the wall of the cyst. We describe a 36-year-old woman with lymphangioma of the pancreas with "ovarian-like" mesenchymal stroma in the wall. This stroma, composed of uncommitted mesenchymal cells, has not been described previously in the wall of pancreatic lymphangiomas. Multiple small lymphatic channels that are found in this stroma recapitulate the development of lymphatic channels in the embryo. Lymphangioma of the pancreas may arise from distension of these lymphatic channels. Pancreatic lymphangioma may, therefore, be a developmental anomaly rather than a true neoplasm.

A clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of ten pancreatic lymphangiomas and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic lymphangiomas are rare benign tumors, of which only a few cases have been reported in the literature. In this study, the authors present a series of primary pancreatic lymphangiomas.

METHODS

Cases of nonepithelial pancreatic cystic tumors (lymphangiomas) diagnosed between 1966 and 1994 were retrieved from the Endocrine Pathology Registry of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. Histologic features (in 10 cases) as well as histochemical and immunohistochemical studies (in 6 cases) were reviewed. Long term patient follow-up data were obtained in 9 cases.

RESULTS

The patients included 8 females and 2 males ages 2-61 years (mean age, 28.9 years) at initial presentation. The tumors were circumscribed and occurred predominantly (in 6 of 10 cases) in the tail of the pancreas. The multicystic, serous, or chylous fluid-filled cystic tumors ranged from 3 to 20 cm (average, 12.7 cm) in greatest dimension. Histologically, the tumors consisted of multilocular cystic spaces of various sizes, lined by endothelial cells. The stroma contained smooth muscle and mature lymphocytes. Immunohistochemistry determined the endothelial lining cells to be factor VIII-R antigen and CD31 positive (in all cases tested) but usually CD34 negative. All patients for whom follow-up data were obtained (n=9) were alive without evidence of disease an average of 7.2 years after initial diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatic lymphangiomas occur predominantly in females within a wide age range. Multilocular, fluid-filled cysts, with endothelial immunoreactivity for factor VIII-R antigen and CD31, are characteristic of these tumors. Complete surgical excision of these benign tumors resulted in excellent long term prognoses for all patients studied.