[Mesenterial lymphangiolipoma - a rare finding in an asymptomatic patient]

Lymphangioma is an uncommon tumor, an intraperitoneal lymphangiolipoma is exceedingly rare. These tumors are principally benign, but lead to complications due to their size and localization.

A 46 year old male patient presented for a regular medical check up. Apart from a hearing loss 2006 and 2008 he reported no previous or chronic diseases. An extensive health examination had been performed two years ago and had been without pathological results. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a large polycystic lesion in the right middle and lower abdomen, approximately 12x10x7 cm in size. There was no vascularisation in the septae. In MRI, the tumor appeared cystic as well without communication to the intestinal wall. Laboratory values including echinococcus serology was without pathological results. An explorative laparotomy was done with right hemicolectomy and subsequent ileotransversostomy. Histologically, a lymphangiolipoma was diagnosed, as well as a chronic appendicitis and chronic lymphangitis of the ileocolic lymph nodes. Postoperatively, the patient recovered without any complications.

Lymphangiomas, especially lymphangiolipomas, are an extremely rare differential diagnosis of intraabdominal cystic tumors. Potential complications included ileus, intussusception or an immuring growth. Abdominal ultrasound can reveal important pathological findings even in symptom- free patients.