Small bowel volvulus induced by mesenteric lymphangioma in an adult: a case report

• Published in: Korean journal of radiology Vol. 10; no. 3; pp. 319 - 322
• Main Authors: Jang, Jin Hee, Lee, Su Lim, Ku, Young Mi, An, Chang Hyeok, Chang, Eun Deok
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) The Korean Society of Radiology 01.05.2009; 대한영상의학회
• Subjects: Abdomen; Abdominal Pain - etiology; Adult; Adults; Ascites; Case Report; Case reports; Congenital diseases; Contrast Media; Cysts; Diagnosis, Differential; Emergency medical care; Humans; Intestinal obstruction; Intestinal Volvulus - diagnosis; Intestinal Volvulus - etiology; Intestinal Volvulus - surgery; Intestine, Small - diagnostic imaging; Intestine, Small - surgery; Laparotomy; Lymphangioma - complications; Lymphangioma - surgery; Male; Medical imaging; Mesenteric Artery, Superior - diagnostic imaging; Mesenteric Artery, Superior - surgery; Mesentery; Ostomy; Pain; Radiographic Image Enhancement - methods; Rare Diseases; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Veins & arteries; 방사선과학; Volvulus; Multi-detector CT; Small intestine; Lymphangioma
• ISSN: 1229-6929; 2005-8330
• DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2009.10.3.319

Mesenteric lymphangiomas are rare abdominal masses that are seldom associated with small bowel volvulus, and especially in adult patients. We report here on an unusual case of small bowel volvulus that was induced by a mesenteric lymphangioma in a 43-year-old man who suffered from repeated bouts of abdominal pain. At multidetector CT, we noticed whirling of the cystic mesenteric mass and the adjacent small bowel around the superior mesenteric artery. Small bowel volvulus induced by the rotation of the mesenteric lymphangioma was found on exploratory laparotomy. Lymphangioma should be considered as a rare cause of small bowel volvulus in adult patients.