Published online Dec 15, 2018. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v10.i12.522
Peer-review started: September 13, 2018
First decision: October 11, 2018
Revised: November 2, 2018
Accepted: November 7, 2018
Article in press: November 7, 2018
Published online: December 15, 2018
Processing time: 92 Days and 19 Hours
Mesenteric lymphangioma (ML) in adults is a very rare disease. We report six hospitalized adult patients with ML in our hospital between January 2013 and July 2018 to investigate the characteristics and prognosis of ML in adults.
The male-to-female ratio was 3:3, and the median age at diagnosis was 55.2 years. Clinical manifestations varied; however, most were acute cases (5/6). No history of trauma was reported. None (0/6) of the patients were accurately diagnosed with ML in the emergency and outpatient departments. Mesenteric cysts were identified in four patients (66.7%) by abdominal ultrasound and in five patients (83.3%) by computed tomography. ML was postoperatively confirmed by pathology. Most MLs (4/6) were associated with infection of other systems. ML was located in the mesentery of the small intestine (n = 4), ileum (n = 1) and rectum (n = 1). Cyst fluid was clear (n = 4), chylous (n = 1) and bloody (n = 1). Surgical procedures included complete tumor removal and partial intestinal excision (n = 6). Recurrence and adhesive intestinal obstruction were not observed during the 3-12 mo follow-up period.
ML in adults is a rare benign acquired disease that can be cured by surgical treatment. Infection may be a cause of ML.
Core tip: Mesenteric lymphangioma (ML) is a rare congenital lymphangioma that predominantly affects children. We reported six cases of adult patients with ML and reviewed the literature. The report is helpful in comprehensively understanding the characteristics and prognosis of ML in adults and arousing the clinician’s attention to this disease.