Hamamoto Rieko, Nishimori Aya, Izaki Toshiya, Okumura Kenji, Ohshiro Hajime, Yamamoto Hirotoshi, Inomata Yukihiro
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kumamoto University Hospital, Honjo 1-1-1, 860-8556 Kumamoto, Japan.
Pediatr Surg Int. 2003 May;19(3):204-6. doi: 10.1007/s00383-002-0919-8. Epub 2003 May 27.
A 10-month-old girl was referred to our hospital because of congenital and persistent bilateral chylothorax and generalized lymphedema as well as long-standing respiratory disturbance. Radiological studies showed a diffuse network of superficial lymphatic vessels without major trunks throughout her entire body as well as the lung. She was diagnosed with systemic lymphangiomatosis complicated with pulmonary lymphangiectasia. Percutaneous puncture in the lower leg was performed to discharge the lymphatic fluid and proved to be effective for the respiratory disturbance. This procedure is safe and easy and effectively improves the quality of life of the patient and the family in case of such a persistent disease.
