Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026
Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy for Endometrial Cancer at Early Stage with Laparoscopy
Published on: August 19, 2021
Retroperitoneal lymphangiomyomatosis diagnosed by fine needle aspiration: a case report
Issam A Al-Bozom1, Imaad Bin Mujeeb, Nader Murad
1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. ialbozom@hmc.org.qa
Background:
Lymphangiomyomatosis is a rare condition affecting women of childbearing age. It is characterized by an abnormal proliferation of smooth muscle cells around lymphatics, giving rise to blockage of the large lymphatics, including the thoracic duct, and resulting in chylothorax and/or chyloascitis. The lung is the most common site of involvement. Retroperitoneum and lymph nodes can be also involved.
Case:
A 40-year-old woman presented with lower urinary tract symptoms after a history of trauma and was found to have a retroperitoneal mass. Fine needle aspiration cytologic examination of the milky fluid aspirated from the mass revealed a few cohesive, 3-dimensional clusters of medium-sized cells with scanty cytoplasm, and ovoid and hyperchromatic nuclei. The background contained numerous mature lymphocytes. Laparoscopy revealed a multicystic mass filled with milky fluid. Histologic examination confirmed the cytologic diagnosis of lymphangiomyomatosis.
Conclusion:
Fine needle aspiration of lymphangiomyomatosis can be performed if cohesive clusters and a lymphoid background are present in chylous-type fluid and provided that adequate clinical information is available.