Complete resection of a complicated huge mesenteric lymphangioma guided by mesenteric computed tomography angiography with three-dimensional reconstruction: report of a case

We herein describe the case of an adult with a complicated huge lymphangioma of the small bowel mesentery. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed a 45 × 30 × 14 cm multiple and separate, mixed and solid cystic tumor without enhancement by contrast medium in the abdominal cavity. Mesenteric CT angiography with three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction showed that the tumor did not involve the first jejunal artery, although the tumor did involve the subsequent jejunal and ileal arteries and the corresponding segment of the small bowel. Under anatomic guidance based on mesenteric CT angiography with 3D reconstruction, we were able to successfully excise the tumor. Mesenteric lymphangioma should be excised even when the tumor is asymptomatic. Mesenteric CT angiography with 3D reconstruction is useful for the surgical treatment of huge mesenteric tumors.