title: Correlative imaging of cystic lymphangiomas: ultrasound, CT and MRI comparison.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cystic lymphangioma is a rare benign lesion derived from the detachment of the lymph sacs from venous drainage systems; the treatment of choice is a surgical excision and the final diagnosis is of histological type.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the results of ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with cystic lymphangioma to clearly evaluate the anatomic as well as the structural lesion features necessary for differential diagnosis and for the patient treatment planning.
  
  
  METHODS
  We analyzed the imaging results of six patients admitted in our department to evaluate cyst-like tumor masses clinically palpable or detected by US. All the patients underwent US, CT, and MRI. The pathology reports demonstrated a mesenterial cystic lymphangioma in five cases underwent surgical resection and in the last case a chest cystic lymphangioma underwent a fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB).
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all the cases, the results of US, CT, and MRI were concordant showing cyst-like tumor masses in the abdomen (n = 5) and chest (n = 1) ranging in size from 3.5 to 15 cm.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  According to our experience, we suggest that the appropriate diagnostic imaging protocol in patients with cystic lymphangioma should initially include the US study and followed by a MRI scan with contrast administration. CT should be avoided because of radiation exposure. US and MRI may also be useful in the follow-up of patients who refuse surgical resection or in whom surgery is contraindicated or postponed as well as to early detect a possible disease relapse.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II (UNINA), Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Romeo
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II (UNINA), Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maurea
authors.affiliation: Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Pier Paolo
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Mainenti
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II (UNINA), Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Camera
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Chirurgia Generale, Geriatrica, Oncologica e Videoassistita, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II (UNINA); Fondazione SDN (IRCCS), Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Aprea
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II (UNINA), Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Immacolata
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Cozzolino
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II (UNINA), Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Salvatore
keywords: Imaging; abdomen; chest; computed tomography (CT); cystic lymphangioma; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); ultrasound (US)