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Computed tomography in the diagnosis of lymphangiomas in infants and children
P A Caro1, S Mahboubi, E N Faerber
1Department of Radiology, Alfred I. duPont Institute, Wilmington, DE 19899.
Insights
Computed tomography (CT) effectively visualizes cystic hygromas and lymphangiomas in children, detailing their size, location, and relation to other organs. These masses often appear as low-attenuation cystic structures, sometimes with enhancing septations, and can invade adjacent tissues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Cystic hygromas and lymphangiomas are congenital vascular malformations.
- Accurate diagnosis and characterization are crucial for effective management.
- Computed tomography (CT) is a key imaging modality in pediatric oncology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the computed tomographic (CT) features of cystic hygromas and lymphangiomas in children.
- To evaluate the utility of CT in determining the morphology, location, and extent of these lesions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of CT scans from 14 pediatric patients.
- Analysis of lesion characteristics including attenuation, septations, and enhancement patterns.
- Correlation of imaging findings with clinical data.
Main Results:
- CT accurately depicted the morphology and precise location of hygromas and lymphangiomas.
- Most lymphangiomas presented as cystic masses with low attenuation, varying septations, and irregular borders.
- Enhancement of septations was observed in some cases, and invasion of adjacent tissues was noted, contrary to previous reports.
Conclusions:
- Computed tomography is valuable for characterizing pediatric cystic hygromas and lymphangiomas.
- CT findings can reveal lesion extent and potential invasion, aiding in treatment planning.
- The imaging features described can help differentiate these lesions from other pediatric masses.
Abstract:
The computed tomographic features in 14 children (age range = 2 days to 10 years) with cystic hygromas of the neck and lymphangiomas of the chest, abdomen, and extremities were studied. Computed tomography can determine the morphology of these masses, their exact locations and their relationship to other organs. Most lymphangiomas appear as cystic masses of low attenuation value with or without septations. The septations may be thin or thick and result in a conglomerate of cysts of irregular borders, varying in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Some of the septae show enhancement after a bolus injection of contrast material. Contrary to what has been reported, lymphangiomas may invade nearby tissues and organs.