MEDIASTINAL LYMPHANGIOMYOMA IN A CHILD - REPORT OF A CASE

Lymphangiomas and lymphangiomyomas are benign abnormal collections of lymphatic vessels which form a cystic mass. The mediastinum is an unco mmon location for these hamartomas in children, but may be life-threat ening. We report herein the case of a 23-month-old boy who presented w ith strider and a history of recurrent respiratory tract infections. S oon after his admission he suddenly developed respiratory failure and was found to have a multiloculated, cystic mediastinal mass which was initially thought to be a lymphangioma, The mass was extensively infil trative, and histological examination showed prominent smooth muscle p roliferation in the walls of the cysts, confirming a diagnosis of lymp hangiomyoma. The terminology and relevant literature on the topic are reviewed following the presentation of this case.