Lymphangiomatosis: a differential diagnosis of lytic lesions of the temporal bone.

OBJECTIVE

We report a histologically proved case of lymphangiomatosis of the skull, involving the temporal bone and presenting as multiple lytic bone lesions.

METHOD: A case report and a review of the literature concerning lymphangiomatosis are presented.

RESULTS

Lymphangiomatosis affecting bones is a rare disorder caused by a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system, resulting in diffuse proliferation of the lymphatic channels and involving bones, parenchymal organs and soft tissue. Involved bones show massive osteolysis and progressive, localised bone resorption.

CONCLUSION

Lymphangiomatosis should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of lytic lesions of the skull.