Newborn intraabdominal cystic lymphatic malformations

Cystic lymphatic malformations are rare causes of abdominal masses in the newborn. Also known as mesenteric, omental, or retroperitoneal cysts, they can present in a variety of ways including, intestinal obstruction, volvulus, nonspecific abdominal pain, intracystic hemorrhage, or as an asymptomatic abdominal mass. Abdominal ultrasound scan provides a definitive diagnosis in most suspected cases. Complete resection is possible in most patients except those with extensive retroperitoneal involvement. Recurrence is unusual when complete resection is accomplished. Because most case series with complete data suggest that these entities are lymphatic malformations, the authors suggest the more specific term, cystic lymphatic malformations, be used to describe these lesions.