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Peritonitis caused by a ruptured, infected mesenteric cyst initially interpreted as an ovarian cyst. A case report
Kyousuke Takeuchi1, Yukiko Takaya, Kosaku Maeda
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan. kyousuke@skyblue.ocn.ne.jp
Insights
Mesenteric cysts, rare childhood abdominal masses, can present as acute abdomen. A ruptured, infected mesenteric cyst mimicked an ovarian cyst, highlighting diagnostic challenges.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pediatric Gynecology
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Mesenteric cysts are uncommon intraabdominal masses in children.
- Presentation varies from asymptomatic to acute abdomen.
Observation:
- A case of peritonitis due to a ruptured, infected mesenteric cyst of the mesocolon in a female child is presented.
- The initial diagnosis was a ruptured ovarian cyst.
Findings:
- Ruptured mesenteric cysts can cause peritonitis.
- Misdiagnosis can occur, especially when mimicking ovarian pathology.
Implications:
- Gynecologists should include mesenteric cysts in the differential diagnosis for large, echolucent lower abdominal masses in female children.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and to prevent complications like peritonitis.
Background:
Mesenteric cysts are rare intraabdominal lesions of childhood that may vary in presentation from an asymptomatic mass to an acute abdomen.
Case:
We encountered a rare case of peritonitis caused by a ruptured, infected mesenteric cyst of the mesocolon in a female child that had been initially interpreted as a ruptured ovarian cyst.
Conclusion:
When confronted with a large unilocular or septated echolucent mass in the lower abdomen in female children, gynecologists should consider a mesenteric cyst in the differential diagnosis.
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