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Lymphangiomas in children: MR imaging
M J Siegel1, H S Glazer, T E St Amour
1Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110.
Radiology
|February 1, 1989
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging effectively characterizes lymphangiomas, revealing their nature and extent. Characteristic MR signal intensities correlate with specific histologic findings, aiding diagnosis and surgical planning.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Pathology
Background:
- Lymphangiomas are benign vascular tumors.
- Accurate diagnosis and characterization are crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the nature, extent, and anatomic relationships of lymphangiomas using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
- To correlate MR imaging findings with histopathologic features.
- To establish the diagnostic utility of MR imaging for lymphangiomas.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen lymphangiomas in 15 patients were evaluated using MR imaging.
- MR imaging findings were compared with histopathologic results.
- Signal intensity characteristics on T1- and T2-weighted images were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Most lymphangiomas (13/17) showed signal intensity similar to muscle on T1-weighted and greater than fat on T2-weighted images, correlating with ectatic lymphatic channels and clear fluid.
- Four lymphangiomas exhibited high T1 signal intensity, indicative of clotted blood or fat-fluid levels.
- Visible septations were identified in 16 of 17 lesions on MR images.
Conclusions:
- Lymphangiomas typically demonstrate characteristic signal intensity patterns on MR imaging.
- MR imaging provides valuable information for preoperative diagnosis, surgical planning, and recurrence assessment.
- Correlation of MR findings with histology elucidates the basis of signal characteristics.