Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr.  2017 Dec;20(4):268-272. 10.5223/pghn.2017.20.4.268.

A Case of Mesenteric Cyst in a 4-Year-Old Child with Acute Abdominal Pain

• Yoon JW
• Choi DY
• Oh YK
• Lee SH
• Gang DB
• Yu ST

• KMID: 2398910
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5223/pghn.2017.20.4.268

Abstract

Mesenteric cysts are rare intra-abdominal lesions occurring during childhood, which were first described in 1507. Cases of mesenteric cysts have been continuously reported, but these cases were very small in number. They are often asymptomatic and incidentally found while patients are undergoing work-up or receiving treatment for other conditions such as appendicitis, small-bowel obstruction, or diverticulitis; however, patients may still have lower abdominal pain and symptoms that are frequently associated with other abdominal conditions. The symptoms are variable and non-specific, including pain (82%), nausea and vomiting (45%), constipation (27%), and diarrhea (6%). An abdominal mass may be palpable in up to 61% of patients. We are to report the clinical course and literature of a child with mesenteric cysts who complained of acute abdominal pain, distension, and vomiting and were surgically treated after being diagnosed with mesenteric cysts based on radiological examination.

Keyword

Mesenteric cyst; Abdominal pain; Child

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Pain*
Appendicitis
Child*
Child, Preschool*
Constipation
Diarrhea
Diverticulitis
Humans
Mesenteric Cyst*
Nausea
Vomiting

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Ultrasonography scans showing a large unicystic mass that has a well-defined wall with anechoic lesion. On an abdominal ultrasonography, a large cystic lesion was found with a thin wall superior to the bladder, composed of homogenous fluid material inferior to the umbilicus.

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  Fig. 2 Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showing a large unicystic mass with fine septations (about 12 cm×11 cm). A low attenuated intra-abdominal unicystic mass was found in an abdominal CT, measured as 12 cm in diameter with thin intracystic septations.

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  Fig. 3 Operative photograph showing a giant mesenteric cyst. An unicystic mass was found grossly, and the intact intestinal serosa was found with a thin cystic wall measuring 9×8.5×4.2 cm.

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  Fig. 4 Histopathology of the mesenteric cystic wall; a single layer of epithelial lining surrounded by fibrous structure (H&E, ×100). A single layer of epithelial lining surrounded by fibrous structure was found at the histopathology of the mesenteric cyst which was a lymphatic mesenteric cyst at the final result.

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