# Volvulus on a Giant Cystic Lymphangioma: Two Cases of the Rare Cause of Intestinal Obstruction in Children

**Authors:** Amara Ayoub, El Atrache Hanae, Zaari Najlae, Abdelouhab Ammor, Houssain Benhaddou

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.85578 · Cureus · 2025-06-08

## TL;DR

This paper reports two rare cases where a type of benign tumor in children's abdomen caused intestinal blockage, requiring urgent surgery.

## Contribution

The paper presents two new clinical cases of mesenteric cystic lymphangiomas causing volvulus in children.

## Key findings

- Two pediatric patients with acute intestinal obstruction were found to have mesenteric cystic lymphangiomas.
- Surgical resection of the cysts led to favorable outcomes in both cases.
- The paper emphasizes the importance of considering CLs in diagnosing pediatric abdominal masses.

## Abstract

Cystic lymphangiomas (CLs) are rare benign vascular malformations, primarily occurring in children, often in the cervicofacial region. Intra-abdominal lymphangiomas, though less common, can lead to serious complications such as volvulus and intestinal obstruction. We report two cases of volvulus resulting from mesenteric CLs (MCLs) in pediatric patients. Both patients presented with acute intestinal obstruction and underwent emergency laparotomy, which included complete resection of the cysts, resulting in favorable postoperative outcomes. These cases underscore the necessity of considering CLs in the differential diagnosis of pediatric abdominal masses and the importance of prompt surgical intervention to prevent severe complications. Additionally, we discuss the pathophysiology, imaging techniques, surgical management, and histopathological findings associated with this rare condition.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** intestinal obstruction (MONDO:0004565), volvulus (MONDO:0004570), cystic lymphangioma (MONDO:0009761)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** abdominal masses (MESH:D000007), CLs (MESH:D018191), Intestinal Obstruction (MESH:D007415), vascular malformations (MESH:D054079), Volvulus (MESH:D045822), cysts (MESH:D003560), Intra-abdominal lymphangiomas (MESH:C535553)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

10 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12238678/full.md

## References

12 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12238678/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12238678