Cavernous lymphangioma arising from the retroperitoneum: A case report

A 71-year-old man consulted a doctor because of pyrexia, nausea and diarrhea. He was diagnosed as having colonic diverticulitis and rceived antibiotic therapy. After the therapy, his digestive symptoms improved, but the pyrexia continued and a new symptom of right-sided stomachache appeared. Abdominal CT scan showed a 7-cm cystic mass in the retroperitoneal space (in front of the right kidney). He was referred to our hospital and hospitalized. We then administered an antimicrobial agent, but the high fever persisted. A repeat abdominal CT scan showed that the tumor size had grown (7 cm to l0 cm). We suspected an infectious cyst. Accordingly, we performed an ultrasonography-guided puncture, and aspirated reddish brown mucinous material. After the therapy, antipyresis was obtained. After the patient's physical strength had recovered, we undertook transperitoneal resection of the right retroperitoneal mass. Histopathology diagnosis of the isolated tissue was cavernous lymphangioma. The postoperative course was good and he was discharged on the 14th day after the operation. Primary cavernous lymphangioma of the retroperitoneal space is a comparatively rare disorder. We were able to completely remove the mass surgically after having controlled the infection by preoperative cyst puncture. (Nishinihon J. Urol. 71: 225-228, 2009).