Journal of Radiology
Open Access

Cystic hygromas are inherited defects of lymphatic origin. They are most commonly seen around the neck, clavicle, and axillary area [1]. Around half of the cases are usually present at birth, while the other half arises by age two [2]. These cysts may get infected and increase in size [3]. Manifestation of the disease depends on the site of anatomical obstruction [1]. Molecular research suggests that Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C (VEGF-C) may be a key player in the development of these cysts [4].

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (Sars-CoV-2) is a new virus known to cause mild to moderate respiratory illness in healthy patients. However, patients with comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and even cancer were found to suffer from a more severe form of the disease [5].

We describe a case of a previously healthy two years and a half old boy with a small neck mass that has evolved after Coronavirus disease (COVID-19 infection).

At 2 years of age, the patient presented to a private pediatric clinic with minimal right neck swelling (2x1.2 cm). It appeared as a small skin colored, transparent fluid-filled dot that was not painful and not inflamed. The patient was sent home on Clarithromycin for 1-week duration without any further evaluation. One week later, the mass remained unchanged despite antibiotics. The mass was observed since it was not painful and not evolving in size. It remained the same for 5 months (Figure 1 and 2).

Five Months later, the patient developed COVID-19 infection. During that time the parents reported that the neck mass was increasing dramatically in size (Figure 1). Upon presentation, the physician noticed that the mass became red to bluish in color and more firm in consistency causing discomfort upon neck deviation. Otherwise, the patient was clinically stable without any systemic symptoms. He also did not show any signs of respiratory distress.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck showed a 7x4.8x9 cm cystic lesion spanning the right posterior and anterior cervical regions extending inferiorly to the upper mediastinum. These findings were compatible with the diagnosis of cystic hygroma with hemorrhagic content. The airway was patent and patient was cleared by otorhinolaryngology.

After contacting interventional radiology, the patient underwent right cystic mass sclerotherapy with Bleomycin under sedation with midazolam and fentanyl (Figure 2). Large quantities of blood and lymph were drained by a fine needle aspiration from the cystic mass, before the injection of the sclerosing agent. The patient recovered uneventfully and the mass shrunk in size over the next 3 months (Figure 1). He is now due for repeat procedure.

Figure 1: 2 yrs and 5 MTH old boy with Cystic Hygroma before and after sclerotherapy.

Figure 2: US-guided puncture with insertion of 21G butterfly needle placed at the lower and posterior cyst with multiple injection of mixture of Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate + Albumin + Lipiodol under fluoroscopy.

This case describes the quick growth of lymphatic cysts after COVID-19 infection. It illustrates the process of cystic enlargement after a cascade of inflammation induced by a COVID-19 infection.

Recent studies suggest a possible link between inflammation and the reactivation of dormant tumor cells. This phenomenon could be triggered by a change in their microenvironment [6]. Furthermore, COVID-19-induced inflammation may create this milieu that is harmful to cells. It promotes inflammation through the activation of immune cells that result in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such and markers [7]. Chronic inflammation and release of cytokines attract macrophages, which may be linked to epithelial cysts growth [8].

The literature about the role of COVID-19 infection in promoting tissue growth is limited. To our knowledge COVID-19 penetrates cells by attaching to Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and subsequently down regulating it. ACE2 is responsible for diminishing the release of cytokines most notably VEGF. As a result, VEGF levels are elevated in a patient with COVID-19 [7].

Although theoretical, this case highlights that COVID-19 is a potential powerful immune system instigator, we hypothesize that cystic enlargement may be related to a surge in many cytokines including VEGF in the context of Covid-19 acute infection course.

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