Effect of Japanese Kampo medicine, eppikajutsuto, in patients with lymphatic malformation: A retrospective observational study

Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are congenital malformations of the lymphatic system that cause considerable cosmetic and functional complications. In this study, we present 8 children with LM who were treated with the Kampo medicine eppikajutsuto (EKJT). Between 2001 and 2020, 8 children (male: 4, female: 4) with LMs who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation both before and after treatment or observation were selected for investigating the effect of EKJT. Two patients were observed without any treatment for 24 and 60 months. EKJT was evaluated based on percentage reduction, defined as the percentage of total lesions that decreased in size, confirmed by radiological examination after initiating treatment with EKJT or determined by observation alone. Volumetric analysis of LMs on MRI was performed using the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine viewer. Six patients were treated with EKJT. The mean observational period was 13.2 months (range: 6–24 months). The mean reduction in LM volume on MRI was 73.0% in treated patients and –66.3% in observed patients. Two of the 6 lesions exhibited complete reduction, 2 exhibited marked (>90%) reduction, 1 exhibited moderate reduction, and 1 exhibited a small response. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no severe adverse events. This preliminary study demonstrated the beneficial effects of EKJT. Prospective evaluations of this promising therapeutic modality are warranted based on the results of this study.