Introduction
Lymphangiomas are benign congenital tumors characterized by the proliferation of lymphatic channels. They are located in the neck and axilla, in 95 of cases. Mesenteric cystic lymphangioma is very rare, having been reported by almost 0.5% of all lymphangiomas (1-3). Importantly, it can cause fatal complications such as volvulus, intestinal obstruction and traumatic or spontaneous rupture, requiring emergency surgery (4-6). These complications are generally seen in small children. For this reason, prenatal diagnosis is important as it allows planned delivery and prompt postnatal treatment, and improves prognosis. We present a three day old newborn with multiple cystic abdominal lymphangioma treated earlier with resection of the bowel loop and anastomosis with prenatal diagnosis.
Case Report
A 31-year old woman, having given birth by caesarean section two times before, admitted to our hospital for control in the 34th week of her 3rd pregnancy. In maternal ultrasonography, thin walled homogeneous cystic masses with smooth-bordered were found within the pelvis of fetus. The largest one was 3.5 cm diameter (Fig 1). The family was informed of the fact that the infant would be evaluated by a pediatric surgeon after birth and if required, it might be operated. At the end of the pregnancy term, the mother underwent a cesarean section, and a female baby weighing 2700 grams was born. All the physical examination findings of the baby, including abdominal palpation, were normal. All routine blood tests were normal. As a result of abdominal CT, radiologists reported as cystic lesion of 4.5×2 cm which have thin walled and septas in places. In abdominal ultrasonography, again multiple cysts were observed. After the required preparations for the operation were completed, the newborn was operated in the third day after birth in order to prevent serious complications to be caused by cysts. Under endotracheal general anesthesia, diagnostic laparoscopy was performed through telescope of 5 mm 0 degree via a trocar inserted from the umbilical region. As many cysts had been observed in the mesentery of the ileum, laparotomy was performed as resection and anastomosis was required. During the laparotomy, multiple cysts, the biggest were 4 and 3 cm, located in the mesentery of the distal ileum, were seen (Fig 2). The cysts together with 10 cm of ileum was resected, and end-to-end anastomosis was performed. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the newborn was discharged from the hospital on the postoperative 7th day. In Gross Pathological Examination, a number of yellow thin walled cysts varying between 0.3 and 4 cm from which strained looking yellowish liquid is discharged were observed in the mesentery of 10 cm-ileum. In microscopic pathological examination, lymphatic veins, congested vein sections, mononuclear cell infiltration consisting focuses in places were observed in fibro-muscular wall of cystic structure covered by endothelium. Diagnosis was reported as mesenteric cystic lymphangioma. Due to the recurrent nature of mesenteric lymphangiomas, the patient was followed at between six month intervals evaluating for her general status and physical development. Abdominal US scan was performed at every visit. Now, she is three years old and is doing well without any abdominal complaints.
Figure 1: In maternal USG taken in the 35th week of pregnancy, cystic lesions are seen in the pelvis of fetus, the biggest ones of which are 34.5 and 21.2 mm
Figure 2: Intraoperative appearance: many cystic lesions the biggest ones of which are 4 and 3 cm are observed in the mesentery of the ileum.
Discussion
Lymphangioma is thin walled cystic benign lesions taking root in lymphatic ducts. (2). 90% of cysts are located in head, neck, trunk and extremities. Mesenteric cystic lymphangiomas constitute nearly 0.5% of all lymphangiomas, and these are generally located in the ileum and its mesentery (1). Approximately, 60% of mesenteric cystic lymphangioma is diagnosed within the first year (7). However, some may cause such life threatening complications as volvulus, intestinal obstruction and traumatic or spontaneous rupture (4-6). Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are of vital importance.
The diagnosis of mesenteric lymphangioma is usually made histologically following the surgical resection of the cyst. Radiological investigations using US or CT usually confirm the presence of a mass and may help to exclude other causes of intra-abdominal masses, but are usually insufficient to provide a definite diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also considered to be a suitable investigation for defining the origins of the mass and thus aid diagnosis (8-11)
Nowadays, thanks to the technological development and experience, some diseases may diagnose over the prenatal period. Hence, researching in detail and the early treatment of intraabdominal cysts and masses after birth are possible. In English literature, a patient with very big cystic lymphangiomas in neck, thorax and stomach received prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy was terminated. (12). Moreover, we found that only one case with mesenteric multiple cystic lymphangioma that was diagnosed over the prenatal period and was successfully treated in newborn period (13). According to our knowledge, we report the second case that was successfully treated by resection and anastomosis for multiple mesenteric cystic lymphangioma with prenatal diagnosis. Furthermore, we operated the patient while she was only 3 days old. Postpartum early diagnosis and surgical treatment became possible with prenatal diagnosis; so complications to appear in the future have been prevented.
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