Imaging manifestations and pathologic features of splenic lymphangioma

Objective To explore CT, MRI and 18F-FDG PET/CT features of splenic lymphangioma. Methods A retrospective analysis of 18 pathology proved splenic lymphangioma cases was made, including their clinical, imaging characteristics and pathological findings. 15 cases with plain and enhanced CT scan, 6 cases with plain and enhanced MRI scan and 1 case with 18F-FDG PET/CT examination. Results (1) 13 cases were single lesion, 4 cases were multiple lesions and 1 case was lymphangiomatosis. The largest diameter was 15.8 cm, minimum diameter was less than 1.0 cm. (2) On CT imaging: cystic watery density and equal density interval was showed in 12 cases, in 3 cases as solid and slightly were showed lower density. Calcification was showed in 3 cases. On enhanced CT, internal septa was slightly enhanced and progressive inhomogeneous enhancement was shown in 3 cases. (3) On MRI imaging: cystic content was manifested as low signal on T1WI and high or highlight signal on T2WI, and there was a difference between the lesion and the splenic tissue on DWI. (4) One case underwent PET/CT imaging: 18F-FDG uptake was not increased. Conclusions Preoperative CT, MRI and 18F- FDG PET/CT help establish a tentative diagnosis of splenic lymphangioma while final diagnosis relies on pathological examination. Key words: Splenic neoplasms; Lymphangioma; Tomography, X-Ray; Magnetic resonance imaging