Abstract：Objective: Intra-abdominal lymphangioma is very rare and comprises less than 5% of all lymphangiomas. The aim of this study is to discuss the CT findings of intra-abdominal lymphangioma in children. Materials and Methods: A database of 32 pediatric patients(17 males and 15 females, aged from 2 to 14 years old) with intra-abdominal lymphangioma proved by pathology in Shengjing Hospital from Feb. 2007 to Feb. 2012 was reviewed. CT scan had been performed in all cases, including 28 patients who also had enhanced CT scans. MR had been performed in 4 cases. The CT findings of all cases were reviewed to summarize the CT features of intra-abdominal lymphangioma. Results: In pathology, the tumors originated from mesentery(n=17), omentum(n=9), retroperitoneal space(n=4), and uncertain tissues(n=2) respectively. In CT images, the lesions located in the right side(n=16), the left side(n=7), the middle(n=4), and the whole abdomen(n=5) respectively. Five lesions which located in the whole abdomin all originated from omentum. The lesions were diagnosed as lymphangioma(n=18), cyst(n=4), mesenteric malignant mass(n=1), ovarian tumor(n=2), teratoma(n=2), pancreatic cystadenoma(n=1), duplication of intestine(n=1), and uncertain disease(n=2) based on CT findings, and omission occured in 1 case. Lymphangioma usually appeared in the CT images as a scrotiform tumor with wall and septa(32/32) which could be enhanced significantly after injection of contrast. Most of the wall and septa were thin(27/32) and the contents of the tumors were almost clean fluid(31/32), solid content(1/32), bleeding(2/32), and calcification(1/32) were rarely seen. This kind of tumor often grew through or around the adjacent tissue and organ, including fat(15/32), small bowels(11/32), and vessels(24/28) in our study. Conclusion: CT is very helpful in finding the lesion and making a definite diagnosis of intra-abdominal lymphangioma in children, which is one of the best choice of examination.
2013, Vol. 24 
