A ruptured renal lymphangiectasia in the retroperitoneum: A rare complication of a rare condition

Development of unilateral renal peripelvic lymphangiectasia after renal vein thrombosis

“…RLT is typically diagnosed incidentally, as most cases are asymptomatic [8] . Nevertheless, uncomplicated RLT can present with bilateral or unilateral abdominal pain, abdominal distention, hematuria, and proteinuria, among others [ 9 , 10 ].…”

“…Surprisingly, renal function is largely preserved in most cases [11] . Several reports have documented instances of complicated RLT encompassing refractory HTN, pleural effusion, ascites, rupture after abdominal blunt trauma, and renal insufficiency and anemia [ 8 , [12] , [13] , [14] ]. It is noteworthy that certain reports identify renal vein thrombosis as a complication and a potential etiology [4] , [5] , [6] .…”

Bilateral renal lymphangiectasia

“…R enal lymphangiectasia (RL) is a rare condition, constituting only 1% of all lymphangiectasias. 1 , 2 Given its infrequency, most of our understanding regarding its etiopathogenesis and natural history is derived from case reports. 3 , 4 Renal lymphangiectasia may manifest unilaterally or bilaterally, without a specific predilection for age or gender.…”

“… 3 , 4 Renal lymphangiectasia may manifest unilaterally or bilaterally, without a specific predilection for age or gender. 1 - 3 The condition likely arises from miscommunication within the renal and retroperitoneal lymphatics, leading to the dilatation of lymphatics and cyst formation in and around the kidneys. 1 , 2 , 5 Failure to recognize this entity leads to misdiagnosing it as more common cystic lesions, which necessitate entirely different management.…”

“… 1 - 3 The condition likely arises from miscommunication within the renal and retroperitoneal lymphatics, leading to the dilatation of lymphatics and cyst formation in and around the kidneys. 1 , 2 , 5 Failure to recognize this entity leads to misdiagnosing it as more common cystic lesions, which necessitate entirely different management. 4 , 6 , 7 In this context, we present a case of bilateral renal lymphangiectasia, adding to the limited literature already available as only 33 such cases have been reported in the adult population.…”