Focal Pulmonary Lymphangiectasia Containing an Infantile Hemangioma: An Unprecedented Cause of Refractory Recurrent Unilateral Pneumothoraces

Alan Patrick Kenny, Jareen Meinzen-Derr, Manish Patel N, Kevin Bove and Henry Akinbi
T

Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, USA
Department of Neonatology, University of Cincinnati, USA
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Cincinnati, USA
Department of Radiology, University of Cincinnati, USA
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati, USA

^*Correspondance to: Alan Patrick Kenny 

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Abstract:

Pneumothoraces are a significant cause of neonatal respiratory distress. We report for the first time an infant with refractory recurrent unilateral left-sided pneumothoraces resulting from a pulmonary lymphangiectasia containing an infantile hemangioma. Known causes of recurrent pneumothoraces include both congenital and acquired lymphangiectasia. Infantile hemangiomas occur in viscera, especially liver, but presence in the lung is very rare. We postulate that lymphangiectasia in this infant was secondary to local lymphatic obstruction by the hemangioma. We recommend consideration of lymphangiectasia from an isolated mass such as congenital infantile hemangiomas in the differential as a newly identified cause of recurrent unilateral pneumothoraces. Established facts and novel insights: Established facts: Pneumothoraces are often caused by underlying neonatal lung pathology. Refractory recurrent unilateral pneumothoraxes are rare in the neonate. Novel insights: Infantile hemangioma can cause neonatal lung pathology. Congenital lymphangiectasia containing an infantile hemangioma for first time is reported to cause of refractory recurrent unilateral pneumothorax in the neonate.

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Cite the Article:

Kenny AP, Meinzen-Derr J, Manish Patel N, Bove K, Henry Akinbi T. Focal Pulmonary Lymphangiectasia Containing an Infantile Hemangioma: An Unprecedented Cause of Refractory Recurrent Unilateral Pneumothoraces. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2019; 4: 1765.