[A case of lymphangiomas arising contiguously from the rib and thoracic spine]

Reported is a rare case of lymphangiomas arising contiguously from the left 6 th rib and thoracic spine of a 33-year-old female. The localization of the osteolytic lesions that had been observed by chest X-rays were more precisely detected by subsequent computed tomography. Histologically, dilated vessels lined with endothelial cells were observed in the bone marrow. Immunostaining uncovered factor VIII-related antigens in the endothelial of the small vessels, but not in those of the larger vessels. In order to differentiate lymphangiomas from hemangiomas of the bone, not only should the histological features of the lymph vessels be observed at time of operation also the ability these vessels to retain lymph is important. Primary lymphangioma of the bone should be differentiated from lymphangiomatosis and massive osteolysis, which show a poor prognosis.