GIANT SPLENIC LYMPHANGIOMA IN AN ADULT: A RARE CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW
Main Article Content
Abstract
Splenic lymphangioma is a benign congenital lymphatic malformation characterized by proliferation and
dilatation of lymphatic channels, forming cystic structures. The disease is rare, accounting for less than 0.007% of
all tumors and is usually diagnosed in children under two years of age. The clinical manifestations of the disease
are very diverse, ranging from completely asymptomatic to signs of mechanical compression or acute lifethreatening complications such as splenic rupture. Differential diagnosis is necessary with various pathologies
presenting with cystic lesions in the spleen.
We report a rare clinical case of a large splenic lymphangioma in a 39-year-old female patient admitted to
the hospital because of nonspecific fatigue. The patient had a history of a tumor in the spleen three years ago
but had not received any treatment. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen with contrast medium
identified a large hypodense mass (not excluding cystic lesions), multi-lobed, the largest size was 49 x 87 mm,
occupying almost the entire spleen parenchyma. Paraclinical tests, including tumor markers and serological
tests for parasites, were all within normal limits. The patient was indicated for and successfully underwent
total laparoscopic splenectomy. Histopathological results showed a typical image of a benign lymphangioma.
The patient's postoperative course was stable and he was discharged after eight days of treatment without any
complications.
Article Details
Keywords
Splenic lymphangioma, cystic splenic lesion, laparoscopic splenectomy, hamartoma
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