Management of lymphatic malformations.
OBJECTIVE
Innovative otolaryngologists, plastic surgeons, craniofacial surgeons, pediatric surgeons, radiologists, anesthesiologists, neonatologists, obstetricians, and scientists have continued to advance our understanding of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of lymphatic malformations. This article reviews the publications over the past 2 years with respect to these advances.


RESULTS
Fast-sequence MRI limits motion artifacts and allows prenatal MR to be used as a complementary study to ultrasound in the evaluation of large congenital neck masses. Three-dimensional ultrasonography may also be helpful in evaluating prenatal lymphatic malformations. Fluorescence in situ hybridization techniques can be used to evaluate lymphatic malformations for prenatal chromosomal analysis with emphasis on chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y. The sclerosing agent OK-432 is effective for macrocystic lymphatic malformations but showed less promise for microcystic lesions, mixed lesions, and lesions outside the head and neck region. Somnoplasty shows promise for reduction of tongue lymphatic malformations. Surgical excision, staged when necessary, continues to be integral to management in many cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Basic science research has furthered understanding of lymphatic malformations. Clinical research has expanded and refined our diagnostic and therapeutic options for patients with these lesions. Further identification of genes selectively expressed by lymphatic endothelium should facilitate identification of usable vascular markers that can enable analysis of the underlying biology, physiology, pathology, and treatment of the lymphatic system and its malformations.
Bloom
David C
DC
Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery University of Washington, Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA.
Perkins
Jonathan A
JA
Manning
Scott C
SC
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D008202:Lymphangioma / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D018191:Lymphangioma, Cystic / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D010844:Picibanil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D012142:Respiratory Tract Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D015911:Sclerotherapy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D010844:Picibanil