A case of lower-neck cystic lymphangioma: correlative US, CT and MR imaging findings

Cystic lymphangioma is a rare malformation characterized by cystic structure deriving from detachment of lymph sacs from venous drainage systems (1). The cystic variant of lymphangioma is included in the general classification of lymphangiomas according to Landing and Farber (2) enclosing the capillary and venous variant, characterized respectively by dilatation of capillary and sinusoidal lymphatic vessels (the latter with continued growth of the stromal component) which remain connected to the lymphatic network; The cystic variant instead is unconnected with the lymphatic network, characterized by several spaces filled with proteinaceous and chylous material which contains lymphocytes and sometimes red blood cells (3).