Multifocal Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma Causing Massive Fetal Chylous Ascites

Fetal Pediatr Pathol. 2017 Apr;36(2):162-167. doi: 10.1080/15513815.2016.1261973. Epub 2016 Dec 16.

Abstract

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a locally aggressive vascular tumor that usually occurs in soft tissues of the extremity and rarely in the retroperitoneum. We report a unique case of isolated massive fetal ascites attributed to KHE, involving the retroperitoneum and multiple visceral organs, along with the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon. We suspect that retroperitoneal KHE might have caused massive fetal ascites because of its high potential to invade the lymphatic vessels aggressively in the retroperitoneal space, which possibly permits intestinal lymph leakage into the peritoneal cavities.

Keywords: Fetal ascites; chylous ascites; kaposiform hemangioendothelioma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chylous Ascites / diagnosis
  • Chylous Ascites / etiology
  • Chylous Ascites / pathology*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Fetal Diseases / pathology
  • Fetus / pathology
  • Hemangioendothelioma / complications
  • Hemangioendothelioma / diagnosis
  • Hemangioendothelioma / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome / complications
  • Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome / pathology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / complications
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / diagnosis
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / pathology*

Supplementary concepts

  • Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma