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Kim, Hur, Park, Koh, Kim, Cho, and Kim: Splenic Cavernous Lymphangioma Mimicking Splenic Hemangioma
Case Report
Journal of the Korean Surgical Society

Journal of the Korean Surgical Society 2009; 77(6): 434-437.

Published online: 4 December 2009

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4174/jkss.2009.77.6.434

Splenic Cavernous Lymphangioma Mimicking Splenic Hemangioma

Ho Hyun Kim, M.D., Young Hoe Hur, M.D., Chan Yong Park, M.D., Yang Seok Koh, M.D., Jung Chul Kim, M.D., Chol Kyoon Cho, M.D., Hyun Jong Kim, M.D.

Department of Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Korea.

Corresponding author (koh88@dreamwiz.com)

Received 16 April 2009       Accepted 30 April 2009

Copyright © 2009 The Korean Surgical Society

Abstract

Lymphangioma of the spleen is a rare benign neoplasm with clinical manifestations ranging from insignificant incidental findings to large, symptomatic cystic masses requiring surgical intervention. We report a case of splenic cavernous lymphangioma mimicking splenic hemangioma. A 59-year-old woman presented with left upper quadrant pain and epigastric discomfort. Computed tomography showed a 9.5×8 cm high attenuated mass with relatively homogenous enhancement in the spleen. The initial impression was a splenic hemangioma. The patient underwent splenectomy. Gross pathologic examination revealed a 9.5×6.8×9 cm-sized fairly well circumscribed soft mass. Histologically, the tumor was composed of dilated lymphatic vessels, which contained homogenous eosinophilic material. The Final diagnosis was cavernous lymphangioma of the spleen. Herein, we report a case of splenic cavernous lymphangioma mimicking splenic hemangioma and also review the existing literature.

Keywords: Cavernous lymphangioma, Spleen, Hemangioma

Figures and Tables

Fig. 1
Abdominal ultrasonography reveals a mild splenomegaly and about 9.2×6.6 cm-sized mixed echoic mass in the spleen.
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Fig. 2
The abdominal computed tomography (CT) findings. (A) In the arterial phase, CT scan shows a 9.5×8 cm high attenuated mass with relatively homogenous enhancement in the spleen. (B) In the portal pahse, CT scan shows a low attenuated mass with homogenous enhancement of similar degree to normal spleen parenchyma.
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Fig. 3
Gross findings of splenic cavernous lymphangioma. Gross pathologic examination reveals a 9.5×6.8×9 cm-sized mass composed of various-sized cysts with internal hemorrhage.
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Fig. 4
Microscopic findings. (A) Histologically, the tumor is composed of dilated lymphatic vessels, and contained homogenous eosinophilic material (H&E stain, ×100). (B) Immunohistochemical finding shows positive endothelial-lined cells in immunostaining by CD 34 (×100).
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