D T Ness1, M J Demeure. 1. Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To characterize adrenal lymphangiomas and discuss management strategies based on findings. METHODS: We present a case report and review the pertinent literature. RESULTS: In a 35-year-old man with painless hematuria for several days, a computed tomographic (CT) scan of the abdomen disclosed an 8-cm right adrenal mass. It had the appearance of a loculated cyst with several septations. The histologic diagnosis of the excised lesion was lymphangioma with cystic degeneration. The most frequently occurring cystic adrenal masses are endothelial lesions. Lymphangiomas of the adrenal gland have a characteristic mutiloculated appearance on ultrasonography and CT. Small asymptomatic smooth adrenal cysts with clear fluid can simply be observed, whereas large symptomatic adrenal lymphangiomas should be excised. CONCLUSION: The preferred studies for detection of adrenal lymphangiomas are CT and ultrasonography. The size of the lesion, type of cystic fluid, symptomatic status, and cytologic findings dictate management options.
OBJECTIVE: To characterize adrenal lymphangiomas and discuss management strategies based on findings. METHODS: We present a case report and review the pertinent literature. RESULTS: In a 35-year-old man with painless hematuria for several days, a computed tomographic (CT) scan of the abdomen disclosed an 8-cm right adrenal mass. It had the appearance of a loculated cyst with several septations. The histologic diagnosis of the excised lesion was lymphangioma with cystic degeneration. The most frequently occurring cystic adrenal masses are endothelial lesions. Lymphangiomas of the adrenal gland have a characteristic mutiloculated appearance on ultrasonography and CT. Small asymptomatic smooth adrenal cysts with clear fluid can simply be observed, whereas large symptomatic adrenal lymphangiomas should be excised. CONCLUSION: The preferred studies for detection of adrenal lymphangiomas are CT and ultrasonography. The size of the lesion, type of cystic fluid, symptomatic status, and cytologic findings dictate management options.