Rare Case of Ovarian Cystic Lymphangioma

Lymphangiomas are rare, generally benign tumors of the lymphatic system comprised of multiple cystic spaces lined with endothelium. Lymphangiomas may arise in any part of the body. Lymphangioma of the ovary is rare; we have identified only 13 reports in a 50-year literature survey (PubMed 1959–2009). Typically, lymphangiomas are slow-growing tumors that remain asymptomatic for a long time. They are most often found incidentally in abdominal or pelvic imaging studies or at surgery or autopsy. Wide excision of the lesion with microscopically clear margins is the best approach when feasible. A postmenopausal woman had a symptomatic pelvic mass. Imaging studies demonstrated a complex left ovarian cyst. Complete removal of a cystic lymphangioma was successfully performed at laparoscopy. Cystic lymphangiomas should be included in the differential diagnosis of an ovarian cystic mass, and laparoscopic excision may be the method of treatment.     

Differential diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma of the pancreas based on imaging features.

Lymphangioma is a benign tumor, which is a consequence of lymphatic malformation with blockage of lymphatic flow. Most lymphangiomas occur in the neck and axillary region, and < 1% occur in the mesentery or retroperitoneum. Lymphangiomas arising from the pancreas are extremely rare. We report the case of a 34-year-old woman with cystic lymphangioma of the pancreas without major symptoms or signs. A 6 x 6 cm intra-abdominal cystic mass was incidentally revealed by sonography during a health examination. It is always a challenge to differentiate the lesion from other possible cystic-like pancreatic neoplasms. Differential diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma from other cystic-like tumors of the pancreas can be performed based on their imaging characteristics, including presence of septa, cystic or wall calcification, soft tissue, wall thickness, single or multiple loculation, and dilatation of the pancreatic duct. Post-gadolinium magnetic resonance imaging is excellent in defining the origin of intra-abdominal cystic mass and intracystic septa.     

Linfangioma quístico de ovario

Cystic lymphangioma of the ovary is an extremely rare neoplasm and is usually detected as an incidental finding during surgery. This mass mimics cystic tumors of the ovary such as teratoma, hemangioma or adenomatoid tumor. The case of a 31-year-old patient with intermittent abdominal pain of slight to moderate intensity is presented. Abdominopelvic ultrasound revealed a tumor with multiple cysts with a solid component inside. During laparotomy, a solid, encapsulated and gray tumor was observed. When the tumor was cut, multiple cystic spaces of different sizes and with yellow, serous fluid were observed. Histopathological examination revealed a tumor with characteristics of cystic lymphangioma of the ovary.     

Prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of abdominal cystic lymphangioma: A case report

Abdominal lymphangioma is a rare tumor of the lymphatic vessels. A case of an abdominal cystic lymphangioma identified at 22 weeks of gestation is reported. Ultrasonographic monitoring showed a progressive increase of mass size during the gestation. Pregnancy was terminated at 38 weeks and the newborn was submitted to a laparotomy with resection of all cystic structures. At the present time the infant is three years old and is doing well.     

Neonatal ovarian lymphangioma

Ovarian cysts are primarily of follicular origin and ovarian lymphangioma is an extremely rare lesion. We report a case of prenatal diagnosis of unilateral ovarian cyst in which pathologic examination revealed an ovarian lymphangioma. Ovarian cystic lymphangioma should be included in the differential diagnosis of an ovarian cyst mass in neonate.     

Prenatal diagnosis of a fetal chest wall cystic lymphangioma using ultrasonography and MRI: a case report with literature review

A case of fetal chest wall cystic lymphangioma diagnosed prenatally at 28 weeks' gestation is reported. Ultrasound examination showed a multilocular, large cystic mass (10 x 22 x 29 mm) on the left side of the fetus in the area of the lower chest and upper abdomen, without color flow imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate the extent and the tissue characteristics of the lesion. Two months after birth the lymphangioma was surgically removed, following an infection and a rapid increase in size. The case is discussed, and a short review of the literature is reported.     

Antepartum assessment of fetal cystic lymphangioma by magnetic resonance imaging

Few reports of fetal cystic lymphangioma have described assessment in utero by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We evaluated a fetus with cystic lymphangioma by this method. Complementing the characteristic features of cystic lymphangioma in ultrasonographic images, prenatal MRI provided a detailed view of anatomic relationships of cysts to surrounding tissues in this case. This anatomic evaluation facilitated planning of perinatal management and choice of manner of delivery. We found MRI very helpful in antepartum assessment of fetal cystic lymphangioma.     

Prenatal and perinatal aspects of a giant fetal cervicothoracal lymphangioma.

A massive cervicothoracal lymphangioma was diagnosed in a fetus at 25 weeks of gestation. On ultrasound study, the mass showed septated, cystic components and extended from the right submandibular region to the right anterolateral thoracic wall including the right axilla and right scapula. Close sonographic follow-up revealed an increase in the size of the lymphangioma without fetal hydrops. An interdisciplinary approach including a pediatric surgeon, neonatologist, perinatologist and anesthesiologist was chosen. Elective cesarean section under general anesthesia was planned at 37 + 0 weeks of gestation. Surgical correction of the lymphangioma was successfully performed on the 4th day of life. Possible differential diagnoses and the obstetrical management are presented.     

Cystic struma ovarii presenting with ascites and an elevated CA-125 level. A case report

BACKGROUND: Struma ovarii is a monodermal teratoma that usually presents as a solid pelvic mass. Occasionally the lesions are cystic. Rare cases present with ascites or pseudo-Meigs' syndrome. The association of a cystic struma ovarii with ascites and an elevated CA-125 level is exceptionally rare. CASE: A 51-year-old woman presented with ascites and a cystic pelvic mass. There was marked elevation of her CA-125 level. The clinical impression was ovarian carcinoma. Frozen section revealed a multicystic struma ovarii. CONCLUSION: Struma ovarii can mimic ovarian carcinoma clinically, particularly if cystic and associated with ascites and an elevated CA-125 level.     

Peritoneal cyst. A case report

Cystic mesothelioma is a rare benign tumor of the abdominal and pelvic peritoneum, consisting of solitary or multiple cysts. No more than 130 cases are reported. Several risk factors such as chronic peritoneal irritation, caused by foreign bodies, infection or endometriosis, were hypothesized but the pathogenesis is still unknown. A 51-year menopausal woman was submitted to ultrasonography because of abnormal uterine bleeding. The scan revealed a right ovarian cyst (size 81 x 64 mm) with the feature of serous cyst. In the anamnesis a cystectomy of the right ovary and appendectomy were reported. At laparoscopy, then converted in laparotomy, a cyst arising from peritoneum of the posterior surface of the uterus was found. The right ovary was normal. The histopathological finding was: serous simple cyst of peritoneum. Ultrasonographic diagnosis was not confirmed by surgery; in fact, sometimes, it may be difficult to establish the origin of pelvic cystic mass, from ovary or peritoneum, by ultrasonography. It is mandatory to suggest a laparoscopy and/or laparotomy in case of pelvic cystic mass that does not regress in the time even after administration of oral contraceptives.     

Prenatal diagnosis of a cystic type IV sacrococcygeal teratoma mimicking a cloacal anomaly: contribution of MR

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of pelvic midline cystic mass in a female fetus without visibility of the rectum and which is not a cloacal anomaly. METHODS: Ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed respectively at 27 and 27.5 weeks' gestation and the findings of these examinations were compared with post-mortem examination after termination of pregnancy (TOP). RESULTS: US showed a pelvic midline cystic mass in a female fetus with mild enlargement of the left ureter and renal pelvis. MRI did not show the T1 hypersignal of meconium in the rectum. The analysis of MR findings were suggestive of the diagnosis of a sacrococcygeal teratoma. Pregnancy was terminated because of the possibility of severe sphincterial disorders and the fetopathological examination confirmed this diagnosis. CONCLUSION: This observation illustrates the diagnostic problems generated by the detection of a pelvic midline cystic mass in a female fetus. The absence of visibility of the T1 hypersignal of the meconium in the rectum is traditionally supposed to be highly suggestive of a cloaca, but may also be explained by the emptiness of the rectum, compressed by the mass.     

Large Mesonephric Cyst with Acute Adnexal Torsion in a Teenage Girl

BackgroundMesonephric duct remnants usually do not present any clinical dilemma. However, if the cellular lining remains active, it may lead to cystic lesions that may cause pain or torsion of the adnexa.CaseThis is a 13-year-old female who presented because of severe pelvic pain. Ultrasound and CT scan revealed a large cystic mass in the pelvis. Mini-laparotomy confirmed torsion of the left adnexa due to the mass. The adnexa was untwisted. The cyst and the left tube were removed and the ovary regained its blood flow and was saved.Summary and ConclusionMesonephric duct cyst should be considered in the diagnosis of pelvic masses in adolescent girls.     

Ectopic ovary: a case of autoamputated ovary with mature cystic teratoma into the cul-de-sac

An ovary with a mature cystic teratoma which was autoamputated into the cul-de-sac and confirmed by laparoscopy is described. A 24-year-old woman with a history of chronic pelvic pain for 5 years presented with left abdominal pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left ovarian mass of 5 cm in diameter. The pain was relieved spontaneously after a few weeks. Laparoscopy was performed 5 months later. The mass was identified in the cul-de-sac partly enveloped in the omentum without any ligamentous or direct connection with the pelvic organs. There was no left ovary in its proper anatomical location. Histopathologic study revealed a mature cystic teratoma with viable ovarian tissue. These findings suggested autoamputation of the ovary either by inflammation or torsion, which is one of the mechanisms for the formation of an ectopic ovary.     

Supernumerary ovary on sigmoid colon resembling an endometriotic lesion

A 30-year-old woman with a history of endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain had right-sided pain and sonographic evaluation demonstrated a right ovarian cyst 5 cm in diameter. Laparotomy revealed a right ovarian cystic mass and the cystic mass was found on the sigmoid colon. After excision, histopathologic study revealed endometrioma for the ovarian cyst and a supernumerary ovary for the cystic mass on the sigmoid colon.     

Giant diverticulum of the bladder simulating ovarian cyst.

A patient was admitted for investigation of a giant ovarian cyst, confirmed by physical examination. At laparotomy the genital organs appeared normal. Ultrasonic reexamination affirmed the preliminary findings of a pelvic cystic mass. A urinary bladder diverticulum was suspected and confirmed by cystography and found to be nonobstructive in nature. Although extremely rare, bladder diverticulum should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a cystic pelvic mass.     

Squamous cell carcinoma arising from mature cystic teratoma of the ovary with synchronous endometrial adenocarcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma arising from a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary is a rare event representing only 1-2% of all mature cystic teratomas. Furthermore, the synchronous occurrence of a second malignancy in this setting is extremely rare. A 63-year-old woman presented with a pelvic mass which was diagnosed as a left ovarian mature cystic teratoma preoperatively by ultrasonography. The frozen section of the mass revealed a left ovarian mature cystic teratoma with a focus of squamous cell carcinoma. Subsequently surgical staging procedure for ovarian cancer was performed. The final pathologic diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma in mature cystic teratoma of the ovary, and synchronous endometrial adenocarcinoma with a mixture of endometrioid and mucinous subtypes as an incidental finding. The combination of these two synchronous cancers is unique and to the best of our knowledge, this has not been previously reported in the English language literature.     

Congenital abdominal cystic lymphangiomas: what is the correct management?

Introduction: Intrabdominal cystic lymphangioma is a rare benign lesion with a variable clinical presentation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the natural outcome of this lesion and to propose a decision-making protocol for antenatal suspected intrabdominal lymphangioma. We also would like to emphasize the role of laparoscopy in treatment. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study examined 14 cases of intraabdominal cystic lymphangioma in children underwent to our observation, at the Pediatric Surgery Department in Lapeyronie Hospital, Montpellier between 1996 and 2007. Results: Of the 14 patients, 12 were operated on (7 by laparoscopy and 5 in open surgery). In 2 patients we didn’t perform intervention because the lesion was localized in the mesenteric root: we observed a regression of the lesion on US-scan. Conclusion: The intrabdominal cystic lymphangioma is a rare lesion which is now sometimes suspected on antenatal US scan; consequently we observed at the present time an increasing number of lesion potentially asymptomatic: in these case the management has to be established and a risk-benefit balance has to be made before a surgical intervention. Our experience is limited to a small number of cases, and it is too premature to describe any final conclusion; however our suggestion is that clinical course of cystic abdominal lymphangioma is unknown, and we propose that if no complication occurs, a clinical and ultrasonographic monitoring should be done in case of mesenteric root localisation.     

Ruptured primary uterine serosal hydatid cyst: a rare case report

A 17-year-old girl presented in the surgical emergency department with clinical features of acute peritonitis. At operation, it was found that she had ruptured a multi-cystic mass arising from the anterior serosal surface of the uterus. The cyst contained multiple daughter cysts and laminated membrane. Hydatid cystic disease was confirmed on histological examination. Pelvic hydatid cystic disease should always be considered in differential diagnosis of pelvic cystic masses in endemic areas and ruled out by appropriate investigations in order to prevent morbidity from the disease, as recurrence is common if precautionary measures are not taken.     

Axillary cavernous lymphangioma in pregnancy and puerperium

BACKGROUND: Cavernous lymphangioma is a form of benign congenital abnormality grouped under lymphatic malformations, which can clinically manifest as a cystic tumor. Common areas are the neck and axillary region. Most cases are diagnosed in children under the age of 2, and occasionally the diagnosis is made in utero. CASE: We present the case of a 29-year-old primigravid woman with an axillary cavernous lymphangioma which rapidly increased in size during pregnancy, and describe the treatment plan in this unusual situation. CONCLUSION: The treatment of a large lymphangioma during pregnancy has to be well planned, considering the welfare of the mother and baby. Most of the current therapies have never been tested in pregnant or lactating women. We discuss the possible pathomechanisms for the growth of lymphangioma during pregnancy with the overproduction of cytokines such as vascular endothelial growth factor.