Generalized lymphatic anomaly: A case report

Complex Lymphatic Anomalies are a group of rare diseases characterized by a non-neoplastic proliferation of lymphatic vessels. They include Generalized Lymphatic Anomalies and Kaposiform Lymphangiomatosis (both with involvement of visceral organs and bone with multifocal and non-progressive osteolysis) and Gorham-Stout Disease (characterized by a predominant involvement of bone with destruction of the bone matrix causing absorption of bone - the so-called "vanishing bone" disease - and a far less frequent visceral involvement). Because of the rarity of these diseases, the diagnosis may be confused by their similar clinical presentation. We describe a case of a young man with Generalized Lymphatic Anomalies with a diffuse involvement of the skeleton and of the spleen. The aim of this report is to point out the characteristics of different types of lymphatic anomalies to allow a correct diagnosis and a more adequate therapy