Massive lymphorrhoea after fine needle biopsy of the cystic haemolymphangioma of the liver
Damascelli, B.; Spagnoli, I.; Garbagnati, F.; Ceglia, E.; Milella, M.; Masciadri, N.
European Journal of Radiology 4(2): 107-109
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0720-048X PMID: 6734606 Document Number: 223051
Trauma to a hepatic haemangioma from a fine needle biopsy has not yet been reported and the theoretical high risk with 22-23 g needles in patients with this lesion tends to be minimised. Through misdiagnosis biopsy was ordered in one case of cystic haemolymphangioma of the liver in a patient being checked by ultrasonography for possible metastases. Aspiration was complicated by a massive peritoneal lymphorrhoea, which regressed completely in 15 days. The mechanics of the event and its possible effect on the pre-existing liver failure, held to be the direct cause of death three months later, is a matter of hypothesis.