INTRA-ABDOMINAL lymphangiomata are rare cystic and cavernous lesions which may present clinically in a bizarre manner. In the past, reports of isolated cases and collective series have described these cysts as presenting unexpectedly during elective abdominal surgery and at postmortem examination. On occasion, however, due to their size or position, serous and chylous lymphangiomas may result in symptoms and clinical findings which prompt surgical intervention. In these instances the correct diagnosis is rarely made preoperatively. The purpose of this report is to describe a case which presented in a peculiar manner and to outline the characteristics and treatment of these rare tumors.
Report of Case
A 20-year-old enlisted man arrived at the USAF Hospital Wright-Patterson, on June 30, 1965, with lower abdominal pain, anorexia, constipation, and urinary frequency of approximately 36-hours duration. The patient, who had had an appendectomy some eight years ago, was referred by his local physician because