[Abdominal lymphatic malformations. German version]

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Pediatric Imaging
• Vascular Anomalies

Background:

• Abdominal lymphatic malformations (LM) are rare focal lesions, posing diagnostic challenges, particularly in pediatric cases.
• This review synthesizes current knowledge on LM manifestations, associated syndromes, and diagnostic imaging features.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated overview of abdominal lymphatic malformations.
• To discuss diagnostic imaging characteristics and related syndromes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of abdominal lymphatic malformations.
• Analysis of clinical and radiological findings.

Main Results:

• Abdominal LMs often present as asymptomatic, incidental findings of thin-walled cystic masses.
• Cystic fluid can be proteinaceous, hemorrhagic, or infected.
• Key imaging findings include lack of solid components and wall/septal enhancement, differentiating from other cystic diseases.

Conclusions:

• Abdominal lymphatic malformations (LM) should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic abdominal masses in children and young adults.
• Central conducting lymphatic anomaly (CCLA) and generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA) are newly recognized entities within the LM spectrum.