Intralesional endoscopy of advanced lymphatic malformations of the head and neck: a new diagnostic approach and a potential therapeutic tool.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the morphologic properties of advanced lymphatic malformations of the head and neck and to investigate possible therapeutic interventions by intralesional endoscopy.


METHODS
This case study analyzes the outcome of intralesional endoscopy of lymphatic malformations of the head and neck and discusses the results of this approach.


METHODS
Academic medical center.


METHODS
Endoscopy was performed on 4 patients with cervicofacial lymphatic malformations.


METHODS
Endoscopy of lymphatic malformations.


RESULTS
The endoscopic inspection and assessment of the lesions revealed detailed information about morphologic aspects like the structure of intralesional septa, internal vascularization, and intercystic correspondence and channel networks. Anatomic landmarks could be followed on their intralesional courses.


CONCLUSIONS
Intralesional endoscopy of lymphatic malformations provides insight into the morphologic properties of the lesion and is a useful supplementary tool during conventional surgical intervention and for sclerosing therapy. The technique allows a detailed assessment of these lesions and opens a broad spectrum of therapeutic options.
Eivazi
Behfar
B
Division of Angiology, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany. eivazi@med.uni-marburg.de
Teymoortash
Afshin
A
Wiegand
Susanne
S
Roessler
Marion
M
Mandic
Robert
R
Bien
Siegfried
S
Werner
Jochen A
JA
D000293:Adolescent; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D044148:Lymphatic Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008210:Lymphocele / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000151:congenital* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014463:Ultrasonography