Macrocystic Lymphatic Malformation in the Pulmonary Parenchyma

A case of diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis with a venous anomaly presenting with acute respiratory failure and hemoptysis

Diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis (DPL) is a rare lymphatic disease that can cause diverse respiratory symptoms. A 22-year-old man, whose chest CT had shown an abnormality for years, presented with acute respiratory failure due to the abrupt onset of hemoptysis. The diagnosis of DPL was confirmed by surgical lung biopsy and lymphangiography. Histopathological investigation showed dilated vascular and lymphatic vessels. DPL can cause acute and life-threatening symptoms during its chronic clinical course. A coexisting anomaly in the venous system may be present in DPL patients with hemoptysis.

Association Between Lymphatic Malformations of the Mediastinum and Congenital Venous Ectasia: Is It Just Coincidental?

The association between lymphatic malformations and congenital venous ectasia is extremely rare, and the relative rarity of both entities makes it difficult to determine the relationship between the two. Here we present four new cases and review the current literature. We hypothesize that there might be a strong association between mediastinal lymphatic malformations and segmental phlebectasia; furthermore, there is a molecular background that may justify the association between these two entities.

Management of visceral vascular anomalies

Vascular malformations affect the viscera less commonly than the head and neck, extremities, and extra-cavitary soft tissues. They present with a wide spectrum of symptoms and findings including pain, respiratory compromise, hemoptysis, chylothorax, ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding, and obstruction. Management options depend upon the subtype of malformation and anatomic extent and may include sclerotherapy, embolization, surgical extirpation, coloanal pull-through, and occasionally more innovative individualized surgical approaches.