Newborn intraabdominal cystic lymphatic malformations

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Medical Imaging
• Pathology

Background:

• Cystic lymphatic malformations (CLMs) are uncommon causes of abdominal masses in neonates.
• These malformations can manifest as intestinal obstruction, volvulus, or asymptomatic masses.
• They are also referred to as mesenteric, omental, or retroperitoneal cysts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of cystic lymphatic malformations in newborns.
• To advocate for the specific terminology 'cystic lymphatic malformations' for these lesions.

Main Methods:

• Review of case series with complete data on abdominal masses in newborns.
• Analysis of diagnostic modalities, particularly abdominal ultrasound.
• Evaluation of surgical resection outcomes and recurrence rates.

Main Results:

• Abdominal ultrasound is highly effective for diagnosing suspected CLMs.
• Complete surgical resection is feasible for most patients, though extensive retroperitoneal involvement poses challenges.
• Recurrence rates are low following complete resection.

Conclusions:

• Cystic lymphatic malformations are the likely underlying pathology for many mesenteric, omental, and retroperitoneal cysts in neonates.
• The term 'cystic lymphatic malformations' is recommended for precise classification.
• Surgical management with complete resection offers favorable outcomes and low recurrence rates.