Enlarged Cisterna Chyli Diagnosed with Ultrasonography - Case Report

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• The cisterna chyli is a dilated sac at the upper end of the thoracic duct.
• Enlargement of the cisterna chyli is an uncommon finding.

Observation:

• A 25-year-old woman presented with an incidentally discovered enlarged cisterna chyli during routine abdominal ultrasound.
• Imaging revealed a large, anechoic, retroperitoneal cystic lesion.
• Contrast-enhanced MRI confirmed the lesion's continuity with the thoracic duct.

Findings:

• Ultrasound demonstrated a cystic structure with thin, smooth walls in the retroperitoneum.
• MRI verified the diagnosis of enlarged cisterna chyli, noting its non-enhancing cystic nature.
• The lesion was situated between the inferior vena cava and aorta, inferior to the pancreatic head.

Implications:

• This case highlights the utility of ultrasound and MRI in diagnosing enlarged cisterna chyli.
• Understanding the imaging appearance is crucial for differentiating it from other retroperitoneal masses.
• The report contributes to the literature on cisterna chyli anatomy and pathology.