Localized microcystic lymphatic malformations--ultrasound diagnosis

Microcystic lymphatic malformations present with a wide variety of clinical manifestations that may make diagnosis difficult. We present four patients with microcystic lymphatic malformations that have been confirmed by both histology and ultrasound appearance. Five further cases of microcystic lymphatic malformations with unusual presentations, in which ultrasound was used to support the diagnoses, are then presented. The use of ultrasound as a tool to aid in the diagnosis of microcystic lymphatic malformations is then discussed and compared with other investigative techniques.