A Wandering Abdominal Mass in a Neonate: An Enteric Duplication Cyst Mimicking an Ovarian Cyst

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Congenital Anomalies
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Enteric duplication cysts are rare congenital anomalies often diagnosed prenatally via ultrasonography (US).
• In female neonates, these cysts can be misdiagnosed as ovarian cysts, necessitating careful evaluation.
• Congenital anomalies require precise diagnosis for appropriate management.

Observation:

• A cystic lesion in the fetal abdomen was detected via antenatal US and MRI.
• Postnatal imaging revealed a mobile abdominal cyst, initially suspected to be an ovarian cyst.
• The cyst exhibited unusual mobility, presenting as a wandering abdominal mass.

Findings:

• Laparotomy confirmed the cystic lesion as an enteric duplication cyst.
• The cyst was associated with volvulus, indicating a serious complication.
• This represents the first reported case of an enteric duplication cyst presenting as a wandering abdominal mass.

Implications:

• Early surgical intervention is crucial for managing wandering abdominal masses in infants.
• Distinguishing enteric duplication cysts from ovarian cysts is vital to prevent delayed treatment and complications.
• Accurate prenatal and postnatal imaging interpretation is essential for diagnosing rare congenital anomalies.