Sudha Bindu Tirumani1 , Sunitha Thaluri2 , Madhavi Thatipamula3 , Vijaya Kumari Mudunoor4
BACKGROUND Lymphatic malformations are a form of congenital vascular malformations. They are usually seen in the neck and axillary region, while mediastinal, abdominal, mesenteric and retroperitoneal locations are very rare and account for about 5% of cases. Imaging has a fundamental role in the detection and characterisation of these lesions. We wanted to evaluate the role of Computed Tomography in the assessment of paediatric lymphatic malformations. METHODS In our study, during a period of 1 yr. 7 months (October 2018 to April 2020) 30 children with the possibility of lymphatic malformations on ultrasound evaluation were subjected to CT examination. Various imaging features of lymphatic malformations on CT were noted. RESULTS 30 paediatric patients, aged between 5 days to 8 years were included in the study. The most common age of presentation was less than one year age group. The most common site for the lymphatic malformations was neck region. One case had complication of haemorrhage and one case had secondary infection. Seven cases out of 30 showed enhancement of the thin internal septations. CT could delineate clearly the extent of the malformation in all the cases. CONCLUSIONS Accurate anatomic localization and definition of the lesions are important in preoperative planning because lymphatic malformations have an insinuating nature that makes complete surgical excision difficult in some cases. The diagnostic challenge on imaging is the differentiation of lymphatic malformations from other fluid-containing masses. CT is a useful imaging tool in confirming the diagnosis, and anatomical delineation for preoperative localisation of lymphatic malformations. It also helps in detecting associated complications like haemorrhage and secondary infection.
