Resection of a Large Hemorrhagic Mediastinal Lymphangioma in an Adult Patient: A Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation

Abstract

Lymphangiomas are rare benign lesions resulting from abnormal proliferation and sequestration of lymphatic tissues that are disconnected from the rest of the lymphatic system. This is a case of a 50-year-old woman with an unusually large mediastinal lymphangioma complicated by hemorrhage. The substantial mass effect and unstable clinical status necessitated urgent operative management. The use of preoperative multimodality radiologic assessment, including CT and MRI, is illustrated throughout this case.

Chylopericardium In a Young Woman Revealing A Mediastinal Cystic Lymphangioma: A Case Report

“…They are most often located in the neck. Approximately 1% of all lymphangiomas are mediastinal, and lymphangiomas represent 0.7%-4.5% of all mediastinal lesions [6][7][8].…”

“…The diagnosis is made in childhood in more than 90% cases, while adulthood manifestations are very rare [7,8]. Males and females are equally affected without race predilection.…”

“…Males and females are equally affected without race predilection. Chromosomal abnormalities such as Turner syndrome, Down syndrome, and trisomy 13 and 18 can be associated with mediastinal lymphangioma development [7,8]. It's most often detected incidentally on chest X-ray as asymptomatic masses, but it can also be revealed by dyspnea, respiratory distress, congestive heart failure, syncope, arrhythmia, or cardiac tamponade [10].…”