Emergency presentation of cystic lymphangioma of the colon: A case report and literature review. (2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lepre, Luca; Costa, Gianluca; Baldini, Daniela; Cortese, Francesco; Saputelli, Alessandra; Gioffre, Aldo; Fransvea, Pietro
• Is Part Of: International journal of surgery case reports. Volume 24(2016)
• Page Start: 162
• Page End: 165
• Publication Date: 2016
• Subjects: Colon -- Lymphangioma -- Gastrointestinal bleeding -- Emergency -- Surgery -- Gastrointestinal neoplasm; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; Surgery; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2016.05.045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-2612

Abstract

Highlights: Lymphangiomas of the colon are benigne tumors. They may lead to life-threatening conditions. Infection, volvulus, obstruction and bleeding into the lumen of a cyst are usually very difficult to manage. Abstract: Introduction: Colonic lymphangioma is an unusual benign malformation. The clinical presentation of lymphangiomas vary from incidental discovery on imaging to presenting with acute abdomen. Presentation of case: We present the case of a 73-year-old male, undergoing surgery due to acute abdomen associated with severe anemia, in whose case a lymphangioma of the cecum was recognised only in the postoperative histopathological examination. Discussion: The management of colonic lymphangioma depends on the individual situation; close surveillance or endoscopic therapy may be appropriate for asymptomatic lesions smaller than 2.5 cm in diameter. Surgical intervention can be considered for larger lesions or in patients who develop complications. Conclusion: The interest in our case lies in the relatively rare diagnosis of colon lymphangioma and how the cardinal sign was anemia, which may be due to the serosanguineous cystic contents of lymphangiomatosis from the internal bleeding and can cause fatal complications that require emergency surgery.