Huseyin Ozdemir, et al. endothelial lining; a stroma composed of a mesh- work of collagen and fibrous tissue; and a wall containing focal aggregates of lymphoid tissue.6,19 Total surgical resection, when possible, is re- commended to avoid superinfection, progressive growth, rupture or bleeding.1,17 In conclusion, retroperitoneally located lym- phangiomas are rare pathologies of the lymphatic vessels. Although they are benign lesions, post- operative recurrence can occur. US follow-ups at certain intervals can be beneficial in the identifi- cation of any recurrence that might develop. REFERENCES 1. Cutillo DP, Swayne LC, Cucco J, Dougan H. CT and MR imaging in cystic abdominal lymphangiomatosis. J Comput Assist Tomogr 1989;13:534-6. 2. Devesa R, Munoz A, Torrents M, Carrera JM. Prenatal ultrasonographic findings of intra-abdominal cystic lymphangioma: a case report. J Clin Ultrasound 1997; 25:330-2. 3. Dahnert W. Radiology review manual. 2nd ed. Arizona: Williams & Wilkins; 1993. 4. Bill AH Jr, Summer DS. A unified concept of lymphan- gioma and cystic hygroma. Surg Gynecol Obstet 1965; 120:79-86. 5. Munechika H, Honda M, Kushihashi T, Koizumi K, Gokan T. Computed tomography of retroperitoneal cystic lymphangiomas. J Comput Assist Tomogr 1987; 11:116-9. 6. Enzinger FM, Weis SW. Tumors of lymph vessels. In: Soft Tissue Tumors. St. Louis: Mosby-Years Book; 1995. p.679-700. 7. Mentzel HJ, Schramm D, Vogt S, Reuter A, Mentzel T, Kaiser WA. Intra-abdominal lymphangioma in a newborn. J Clin Ultrasound 1998;26:320-2. 8. Davidson AJ, Hartman DS. Lymphangioma of the retroperitoneum: CT and sonographic characteristic. Radiology 1990;175:507-10. 9. Fonkalsrud EW. Congenital malformations of the lymphatic system. Semin Pediatr Surg 1994;3:62-9. 10. Thomas AM, Leung A, Lynn J. Abdominal cystic lymphangiomatosis: report of a case and review of the literature. Br J Radiol 1985;58:467-9. 11. Van Cauwelaert P, Gruwez JA. Experience with lymphangioma. Lymphology 1978;11:43-8. 12. Heether J, Whalen T, Doolin E. Follow-up of complex unresectable lymphangiomas. Am Surg 1994;60:840-1. 13. Kosir MA, Sonnino RE, Gauderer MW. Pediatric abdominal lymphangiomas: a plea for recognition. J Pediatr Surg 1991;26:1309-13. 14. Bonhomme A, Broeders A, Oyen RH, Stas M, De Wever I, Baert AL. Cystic lymphangioma of the retroperitoneum. Clin Radiol 2001;56:156-8. 15. Takiff H, Calabria R, Yin L, Stabile BE. Mesenteric cysts and intra-abdominal cystic lymphangiomas. Arch Surg 1985;120:1266-9. 16. Blumhagen JD, Wood BJ, Rosenbaum DM. Sonographic evaluation of abdominal lymphangiomas in children. J Ultrasound Med 1987;6:487-95. 17. Targarona EM, Moral A, Sabater L, Martinez J, Luque P, Trias M. Laparoscopic resection of a retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma. Surg Endosc 1994;8:1425-6. 18. Koshy A, Tandon RK, Kapur BM, Rao KV, Joshi K. Retroperitoneal lymphangioma. A case report with review of the literature. Am J Gastroenterol 1978;69: 485-90. 19. Yunyongying Y, Tang CK, Bruce WG. Solitary cystic lymphangioma of the retroperitoneum. J Urol 1977;118: 388-9. Yonsei Med J Vol. 46, No. 5, 2005