Retroperitoneal lymphangioma

Five cases of retroperitoneal lymphangioma are presented. In three patients the lesions were symptomatic, with resolution of the symptoms following resection. In two elderly patients the lesions were asymptomatic. Ultrasound demonstrated masses that ranged from 4 to 15 cm in maximal extent, and which were predominantly anechoic. Two contained septations and two echogenic debris. Computed tomography demonstrated the masses to be of water density, and allowed better delineation of the lesions to adjacent structures within the anterior pararenal space. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) produces a characteristic cytology of abundant lymphocytes, which may be intermingled with macrophages. It is considered that retroperitoneal lymphangioma has characteristic imaging features that allows a presumptive diagnosis, which can be confirmed by FNA.