[Intraosseous lymphangiectases]

These are osteolytic type bone lesions conditioned to congenital malformations of the lymphatic system. Most cases become evident during adolescence. At the clinical study, extraosseous lymphatic changes may be found and frequently there is chylous pleural effusion caused by trauma, wounds, surgery or congenital anomalies of the thoracic duct. Pathologic fractures may show the anomaly. Lymphangiectatic lesions studied at the X-rays, especially if they are multiple and affect long bones, flat bones and skull, may show the lesion. Lymphography is used as a clue diagnostic procedure and shows dilated engorged lymph vessels with stagnation of the contrast medium at the cistern of Pecquet. The diagnosis must be clinical and radiological. The prognosis varies according to the extension of the process. Diets rich in proteins are given in the treatment and fractures are managed by orthopedic means.