Mesenteric cystic lymphangioma

BACKGROUND: Cystic lymphangioma is an uncommon congenital malformation usua lly encountered in children and often discovered fortuitously CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old man was hospitalized for acute alcoholic hepatit is with edematoascitic decompensation, The abdominal and pelvic CT scan sho wed homogeneous hepatomegaly and a tumoral process involving the terminal i deal loops without signs of occlusion or node enlargement. Pathology report ed benign mesenteric multicystic lymphangioma. DISCUSSION: Cystic lymphangiomas account for 7% of all intra-abdominal cyst ic formations. The ideal localization predominates with little or no clinic al expression. Ultrasonography and CT scan provide complementary informatio n on the relations with other organs. Magnetic resonance imaging is current ly the gold standard allowing precise diagnosis of the anatomic relations a nd identifying intracystic hemorrhage, The pathology examination is require d to eliminate possible benign multicystic mesothelioma which may occasiona lly take on an aggressive form. Complete surgical excision provides cure. ( C) 1999, Masson, Paris.