Retroperitoneal lymphangiomyomatosis diagnosed by fine needle aspiration: a case report
Al-Bozom, I.A.; Mujeeb, I.Bin.; Murad, N.
Acta Cytologica 51(4): 594-596
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5547 PMID: 17718131 Document Number: 613902
Background Lymphangiomyomatosis is a rare condition affecting women of childbearing age. It is characterized by an abnormal proliferation of smooth muscle cells around lymphatics, giving rise to blockage of the large lymphatics, including the thoracic duct, and resulting in chylorhorax and/or chyloascitis. The lung is the most common site of involvement. Retroperitoneum and lymph nodes can also be involved.Case A 40 year old woman presented with lower urinary tract symptoms after a history of trauma and was found to have a retroperitoneal mass. Fine needle aspiration cytologic examination of the milky fluid aspirated from the mass revealed a few cohesive, 3-dimensional clusters of medium-sized cells with scanty cytoplasm, and ovoid and hyperchromatic nuclei. The background contained numerous mature lymphocytes. Laparoscopy revealed a multicystic massfilled with milky fluid. Histologic examination confirmed the cytologic diagnosis of lymphangiomyomatosis.Conclusion Fine needle aspiration of lymphangiomyomatosis can be performed if cohesive clusters and a lymphoid background are present in chylous-type fluid and provided that adequate clinical information is available.