6533b82ffe1ef96bd1295d3e

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Three-dimensional sonographic diagnosis of a large cystic neck lymphangioma.

subject

description

Lymphangiomas are fairly well-circumscribed benign masses of lymphatic vessels or channels that vary in size, are usually greatly dilated, and are lined with normal endothelial cells. They may be classified into 3 groups: lymphangioma simplex, consisting of capillary-sized channels; cavernous lymphangiomas, consisting of dilated channels with a fibrous adventitial covering; and cystic lymphangiomas, or hygromas, composed of multiple cysts of varying sizes that are lined with endothelial cells. Mixed types may coexist within a given lesion. Although lymphangiomas can occur in any part of the body where lymphatic ducts are located, 95% of them are found in the neck, the head, or the axilla. 1 When they occur in the lateral and posterior neck region, they are frequently associated with chromosomal abnormalities and with hydrops. Isolated lymphangiomas in other parts of the body are not associated with other malformations or with chromosomal syndromes. When neck lymphangiomas are detected, a karyotype should be obtained, and a search for evidence of hydrops should be done because some of these fetuses are likely to have chromosomal anomalies, and when associated with hydrops, survival is unlikely.