Submucous lymphatic cysts of the small intestine. An autopsy study.

In 150 consecutive autopsies, submucous lymphatic cysts of the small intestine were demonstrated histologically in 35 cases (23%). The mean age of these 35 cases was 74 years. Lymphatic cysts were found in none younger than 55 years. A solitary lesion was observed in 9 cases, whereas more than 10 cysts were encountered in 14 autopsies. The diameter of the lesions never exceeded ca. 1 cm, and histological examination disclosed cystically dilated lymph spaces only in the submucosa. Studies of the clinical records and the autopsy reports revealed no case with symptoms from the lymphatic cysts, and no case with other diseases of the lymphatic system.