Extensive abdominal lymphangiomatosis involving the small bowel mesentery: A case report

BACKGROUND: Abdominal lymphangiomatosis is a rare benign condition accounting for less than 1% of all the cases of lymphangiomatosis. Management usually involves radical surgical excision; however, depending upon the extent of involvement, patient condition, and absence of complications, conservative management can be also considered. CASE SUMMARY: We present the case of a 32-year-old male who presented with short onset abdominal pain and melena. Physical examination findings were within normal limits, except for left lower abdominal tenderness. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was within normal limits. Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan revealed numerous, variably-sized cystic lesions within the abdominal cavity, exclusively and extensively affecting the small bowel mesentery with sparing of the retroperitoneum. The diagnosis was confirmed by CT and cytological examination. Radical surgical excision was technically impossible in this patient because of the extensive involvement of the mesentery; therefore, the patient was managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: Extensive and exclusive small bowel mesentery involvement in abdominal lymphangiomatosis is rare. Imaging modalities play an important role in establishing the diagnosis and conservative management can be considered when surgery is technically impossible.