Observation of lymphangioma of the duodenum by a magnifying endoscope with a narrow-band imaging system

Abstract

Among duodenal tumors, lymphangioma is relatively infrequent. In this case report, we describe the case of a 65-year-old Japanese man with duodenal lymphangioma diagnosed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Endoscopically, the tumor appeared as a soft submucosal tumor with white spots. When the white spots were grasped by biopsy forceps, milky liquid exuded from the tumor. Additionally, observation by a magnifying endoscope with narrow-band imaging revealed elongated microvessels on the surface. We speculated that this feature was formed because the duodenal villi were dilated and the microvessels were stretched due to the retention of chyle. These endoscopic findings are key features in the diagnosis of duodenal lymphangioma.