Symptomatic presentation and imaging features of a chylous cystic lymphangioma

Lily Kwak1, Matteen Hakim2, Gabriel Ivey3

  • 1The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

BMJ Case Reports
|November 12, 2024
PubMed

A woman in her 60s presenting with 5 days of diffuse abdominal pain was diagnosed preoperatively with a chylolymphatic mesenteric cyst. MRI and CT imaging demonstrated a 5.8 cm unilocular cyst containing a fluid-fluid level within the mesentery. Following an uncomplicated open excision, the lesion was characterised by pathology as a cystic lymphangioma due to the presence of focal smooth muscle and lymphoid tissue in the wall. This case report discusses the radiologic features of rare lymphatic mesenteric cysts that can help guide preoperative diagnosis and highlights that postoperative diagnosis remains definitive. This case also underscores the importance of considering mesenteric cysts as a rare cause of abdominal pain in patients who have non-specific abdominal symptoms and a mass on imaging not associated with any single organ.

Related Concept Videos

Development of the Lymphatic System01:15

Development of the Lymphatic System

The development of lymphatic tissues and vessels in embryonic life begins around the fifth week. These structures originate from the mesoderm layer, with lymph sacs emerging from developing veins.
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
Cholecystitis01:20

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...