Hepatic lymphangiomatosis mimicking polycystic liver disease

Mayo Clin Proc. 1998 Dec;73(12):1188-92. doi: 10.4065/73.12.1188.

Abstract

Hepatic lymphangiomatosis is a rare disorder characterized by cystic dilatation of the lymphatic vessels in the hepatic parenchyma. It can occur in the liver alone, in the liver and spleen, or in multiple organs. Clinically, diagnosis can be difficult because of the rarity and protean manifestations of this disorder. We describe a 53-year-old woman with hepatic lymphangiomatosis in whom polycystic liver disease had been previously diagnosed. In addition, we review 12 cases of hepatic, splenic, and hepatosplenic lymphangiomatosis with or without systemic lymphangiomatosis and discuss the differential diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cysts / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases / diagnosis
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lymphangioma / diagnosis*
  • Lymphangioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymphangioma / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed