Giant Mesenteric Cyst With Gastric Perforation Masquerading As Obstructed Inguinal Hernia: A Rarest of the Rare Case

Mesenteric cysts are extremely rare intra-abdominal tumors. They usually present with an array of symptoms, usually non-specific, which leads to difficulty in diagnosing them. Occasionally these can present in the emergency as an acute abdomen. We report a rare presentation of a huge mesenteric cyst with gastric perforation, misdiagnosed clinically as obstructed inguinal hernia. A 50-year male presented with complaints of sudden severe pain in the abdomen along with swelling and pain in the right groin region with absolute constipation for the last 4 days. A clinical diagnosis of obstructed inguinal hernia was made. However, on radiological investigations, it was discovered as a giant intra-abdominal cyst herniating into the inguinal canal. On exploration, we were further surprised to find a concomitant gastric perforation. In this case report, we highlight that mesenteric cysts can present as acute abdomen and, very rarely, can be associated with an accompanying cause of surgical abdomen.