Disseminated lymphangiomatosis presenting with massive chylothorax

Pediatr Radiol. 2000 Jan;30(1):35-7. doi: 10.1007/s002470050010.

Abstract

Background: Lymphangiomatosis is a disease characterized by involvement of various body constituents and can involve the skeletal system, connective tissues, and visceral organs.

Materials and methods: We present a case of a 9-year-old girl where this entity presented with extensive right-sided chylothorax. Conventional imaging, including skeletal scintigraphy and contrast enhanced CT of the chest and abdomen, may have underestimated the extent of the disease, as seen on follow-up T2-weighted MR images of the chest and abdomen in our case.

Results: MRI easily demonstrated additional bone lesions as well as multiple small splenic lesions, which were difficult to appreciate on prior CT examinations.

Conclusion: We suggest that MRI may be helpful to assess the extent of this disease more accurately.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Neoplasms / complications
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Child
  • Chylothorax / diagnosis
  • Chylothorax / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphangioma / complications
  • Lymphangioma / diagnosis*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Pleural Effusion, Malignant / etiology
  • Ribs / diagnostic imaging
  • Ribs / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed