Retroperitoneal lymphatic malformation: a case report

Abstract

Lymphatic malformations are type of congenital vascular malformations. It is commonly seen in head and neck area.1,2 It can be seen in the abdomen in the liver, spleen, pancreas, mesentery and retroperitoneam. Retroperitoneal location is very rare with cases compromised less than 1% from all abdominal cases.1 Most of the patients are asymptomatic, however minority may present with abdominal distension or pain, intestinal or uretric obstruction or hematuria, cyst infection or hemorrhage.2–4 The cases usually present in the first two years of life and the initial investigation include ultrasound which shows multicystic lesion crossing multiple compartments. Retroperitoneal extension is better assessed by CT scan or MRI studies. There are multiple options to significantly reduce the size of lesion, including aspiration and Sclerotherapy, however both have high recurrence rate.1,5 The radical surgical excision is still by far the treatment of choice with low recurrence rate and less complications.1,4,5