[Mesenteric cysts in the adult]

The authors describe five cases of mesenteric cysts evaluated by ultrasonography and computed tomography: 3 cases of cystic lymphangioma, 1 vestigial serous cyst, 1 dermoid cyst. Ultrasonography is useful for analyzing the contents of these lesions, and must be utilized to search for possible pelvic anomalies, allowing diagnosis of pendunculated ovarian cysts for example. CT offers better sensitivity for evaluating the effect of such cysts on neighboring viscera and particularly on the intestine. CT is also better for identification of the fatty components indicative of dermoid or chylous cysts. These rare tumors are almost always benign, and a combined modality imaging approach based on ultrasound and CT suffices for diagnosis.