An unusual presentation of a mesenteric lymphangioma

Lymphatic malformations are the second most common benign vascular tumour in children, after haemangioma. They may be localised or generalised and commonly occur in the cervicofacial region, axilla and thorax. They appear early in life with almost all cases evident by the age of 3 years. Lymphangioma or cystic hygroma is a mass of dilated lymphatics. The following case in a 4-year-old boy of intraabdominal cystic lymphangioma is being reported due to its rarity and its confusing presentation. The boy presented with progressive swelling of abdomen and respiratory distress. A repeat USG after second episode of rapid increase of abdomen showed a huge cystic swelling of whole abdomen and pelvis. CT scan of abdomen suggested mesenteric lymphangioma. The cyst was excided and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of lymphangioma.