CT differentiation of large abdominal lymphangioma from ascites.
Abdominal lymphangiomas are uncommon benign tumors, usually presenting in early childhood as a palpable abdominal mass. Their sonographic and CT appearance has been well described, and usually consists of well-defined, thin-walled cysts which can be unilocular, or multiloculated, and may contain septations. Rarely, these cysts may be large enough to be confused with ascites on physical exam. We present such a case to emphasize the imaging features that may help in the differentiation between ascites and large mesenteric lymphangiomas.
Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.
C H
CH
Lugo-Olivieri
G A
GA
Taylor
D001201:Ascites / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008202:Lymphangioma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008643:Mesentery; D010534:Peritoneal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed