Lymphangioma of the mesentery as the cause of intestinal obstruction
Varmarken, J.E.; Dalsgaard, S.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 149(9): 598-599
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 3824669 Document Number: 304134
A boy aged ten years developed intestinal obstruction due to compression of the ileum by a lymphangioma in the lesser omentum. He had previously been submitted to appendectomy and, at that time, the lymphangioma was not observed. Lymphangiomata are believed to grow from residual embryonic cells in the mesentery which have been activated e.g. by operation. This case could support this theory. Cysts in the peritoneum may be benign cystic mesothelioma which shows an aggressive tendency to recur. Benign cystic mesothelioma and lymphangioma can only be differentiated from one another by electronic microscopic examination. This examination is advisable when cystic tissue is removed from the peritoneum.