Mesenteric cyst(s) presenting as acute intestinal obstruction in children

Abstract

Background and objectivesMesenteric cysts are rare in paediatric age group and usually present as asymptomatic abdominal lumps. Acute presentations are uncommon and their preoperative diagnosis is difficult.Design and settingsThis is a retrospective observational study describing three children with mesenteric cysts who presented with symptoms and signs of acute intestinal obstruction.Patients and methodsThree children with mesenteric cysts who presented with acute abdomen are described as per their age, presenting symptoms and signs, investigations, management, and outcome.ResultsThe three children presented in emergency with symptoms and signs of acute intestinal obstruction. On exploration, all had mesenteric cyst and were managed by deroofing, marsupilisation and excision. All patients recovered uneventfully.ConclusionsPresentation of mesenteric cyst as acute obstruction in paediatric age group is rare and preoperative diagnosis is difficult. The larger cysts are more likely to have an acute presentation.

Cysts of Gastrointestinal Origin in Children: Varied Presentation

“…[2345]. Abdominal cysts of GI origin are usually mesenteric cysts, enteric duplication cysts, omental cysts and meconium cysts.…”

“…This can be accomplished laparoscopically [34]. Bowel resection and anastomosis may be needed in up to 50% to 60% of cases [34591213].…”

“…The differential diagnosis of abdominal cysts includes mesenteric cysts, omental cysts, cystic lymphangioma, cystic teratoma, ovarian cyst, enteric duplication cyst, hydatid cyst, etc. [ 2 3 4 5 ]. Abdominal cysts of GI origin are usually mesenteric cysts, enteric duplication cysts, omental cysts and meconium cysts.…”

“…Mesenteric cysts are rare benign intra-abdominal masses with an incidence of about 1:100,000 in adults and 1:20,000 in pediatric age group [ 3 4 5 6 ]. They may occur anywhere in the mesentery of the GI tract from the duodenum to the rectum, but most commonly are localized in the mesentery of the ileum followed by the mesentery of the large intestine and retroperitoneum [ 3 4 5 7 8 9 ]. Though commonly solitary, multiple positions within the peritoneal cavity have also been reported [ 4 ].…”

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

“…It is likely that young patients under the age of 10 take less time to show some symptoms compared with patients aged over 10 [ 6 ]. Various clinical characteristics were shown at the recent case series reports of mesenteric cysts in pediatric patients ( Table 1 ) [ 9 11 12 13 14 ]. Nearly no case in childhood has been reported in Korea.…”