Small bowel volvulus induced by cystic lymphangioma in a 12-year-old child: Case report

Abstract

Cystic lymphangioma is a benign tumor resulting from the proliferation of thin-walled lymphatic spaces. It is most commonly located in the head and neck region (70%), followed by the axillary regions (20%), and more rarely in internal organs (10%). Mesenteric lymphangioma of the small intestine is a rare entity, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 250,000, accounting for less than 1% of all lymphangiomas. Although typically asymptomatic, it can present with acute abdominal pain in the event of complications such as volvulus, hemorrhage, or rupture, thereby necessitating urgent surgical intervention. We report the case of a 12-year-old girl admitted to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain and signs of bowel obstruction evolving over 3 days. Clinical examination revealed peri-umbilical tenderness, and radiological investigations demonstrated a small bowel volvulus associated with a cystic lesion suggestive of a cystic lymphangioma. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological analysis following surgical management, which included resection of the cyst and the necrotic intestinal loop.