Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 27, 2026

The Role of Anatomical Dissection in Defining Colic and Small Bowel Artery Lymphovascular Bundles in the D3 Volume of Small and Large Bowel Mesentery
05:43

The Role of Anatomical Dissection in Defining Colic and Small Bowel Artery Lymphovascular Bundles in the D3 Volume of Small and Large Bowel Mesentery

Published on: August 1, 2025

838

Giant mesenteric lymphatic malformation presenting as small bowel volvulus

Christy E Cauley1, Philip J Spencer1, Pallavi Sagar2

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.

Journal of Surgical Case Reports
|June 26, 2014
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of intestinal volvulus in a child was caused by a giant mesenteric lymphatic malformation. This condition led to a small bowel obstruction, requiring surgical intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Abdominal pain and bilious emesis in children can indicate serious underlying conditions.
  • Small bowel obstruction due to volvulus is a surgical emergency.

Observation:

  • A 4-year-old boy presented with abdominal pain and bilious emesis.
  • Ultrasound revealed abdominal fluid; CT identified a large cystic mass causing small bowel obstruction and volvulus.

Findings:

  • Laparoscopic exploration confirmed a giant mesenteric lymphatic malformation.
  • The malformation caused a segmental volvulus of the small bowel, necessitating resection.

Implications:

  • This case highlights giant mesenteric lymphatic malformations as a rare cause of pediatric intestinal volvulus.
  • Early diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for favorable outcomes in such cases.

More Related Videos

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia05:07

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia

Published on: July 21, 2023

1.6K
The Mesenteric Lymph Duct Cannulated Rat Model: Application to the Assessment of Intestinal Lymphatic Drug Transport13:17

The Mesenteric Lymph Duct Cannulated Rat Model: Application to the Assessment of Intestinal Lymphatic Drug Transport

Published on: March 6, 2015

28.3K

Related Concept Videos

Diverticular Disease of the Colon01:27

Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...
30
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction01:29

Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction

Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
46
Appendicitis01:19

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
28
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
912
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
40