Prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of thoracoabdominal cavernous lymphangioma: A case report / 대한산부인과학회지

ABSTRACT

Lymphangiomas are congenital anomalies of the lymphatic system in which abnormal lymphatic channels are localized to form a benign mass. Lymphangiomas are classified into 3 types: simple, cavernous, and cystic (=cystic hygroma). Mixed forms may coexist. Cavernous lymphangiomas are very rare variants and characterized by penetration through the subcutaneous area between the muscular septa. Lymphangiomas are typically presented in the head, neck and axillary region, while cavernous lymphangiomas most commonly occur in the thorax or retroperitoneum. Although there are many papers about the cystic hygroma, a few cases of fetal thoracoabdominal cavernous lymphangioma have been reported. Accurate prenatal diagnosis and anatomical evaluation are important for delivery planning and prompt postnatal resuscitation. The anomaly was assessed by two dimensional (2D), three dimensional (3D), and real-time multiplanar four dimensional (4D) ultrasound. This case report confirms the usefulness of the 3D, real-time multiplanar 4D ultrasound to assess the mass extension and relationship with adjacent structures. We present a case of fetal thoracoabdominal cavernous lymphangioma diagnosed by 2D, 3D, real-time multiplanar 4D ultrasound with brief review of literatures.