title: Giant cystic lymphangioma originating from the lesser curvature of the stomach.
abstract: Cystic lymphangiomas are rare benign tumors. Most frequently occurring in children and involving the neck or axilla, these tumors are much less common in adults and very rarely involve the abdomen. The known congenital and acquired (traumatic) etiologies result in failure of the lymphatic channels and consequent proliferation of lymphatic spaces. This case report describes a very rare case of a giant mesenteric cystic lymphangioma in an adult male with no clear etiology and successful resolution by standard radical resection. A previously healthy 44-year-old male presented with a 6-wk history of progressive upper abdominal pain, vomiting, anorexia and unintentional weight loss accompanied by rapid abdominal distension. A palpable mass was detected upon physical examination of the distended abdomen and abdominal computed tomography scan showed a giant multilobulated cystic process, measuring 40 cm in diameter. Exploratory laparotomy revealed an enormous cystic mass containing 6 L of serous fluid. The process appeared to originate from the lesser omentum and the lesser curvature of the stomach. Radical resection of the tumor was performed along with a partial gastrectomy to address potential invasion into the adjacent tissues. Histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a multicystic lymphangioma. The postoperative recovery was uneventful and the patient was discharged after 6 d. At 3-mo follow-up, the patient was in good health with no signs of recurrence.
authors.affiliation: Thijs Ralf van Oudheusden, Simon Willem Nienhuijs, Thomas Bernard Joseph Demeyere, Michael Derek Philip Luyer, Ignace Hubertus Johannes Theodorus de Hingh, Department of Surgery, Catharina Hospital, 5623 EJ Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Thijs Ralf
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: van Oudheusden
authors.forename: Simon Willem
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Nienhuijs
authors.forename: Thomas Bernard Joseph
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Demeyere
authors.forename: Michael Derek Philip
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Luyer
authors.forename: Ignace Hubertus Johannes Theodorus
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: de Hingh
keywords: Abdominal distension; Abdominal pain; Cystic process; Mesentery; Multicystic lymphangioma