Peritoneal inclusion cyst causing intestinal obstruction in a 9-year-old girl: A rare pediatric case

Peritoneal inclusion cyst (PIC) is a rare benign condition with low-risk malignant transformation that typically occurs in adult women with a history of pelvic inflammatory conditions, endometriosis, or prior abdominal surgery. Cases in pediatrics are extremely rare. We present a 9-year-old female with acute intestinal obstruction due to PIC, characterized by a 1-week history of severe colicky abdominal pain localized to the suprapubic area and radiating to both flanks with abdominal distension, and 4 days of vomiting. A computed tomography (CT) scan shows a large multilocular cystic mass occupying the entire abdominal cavity and compressing adjacent organs. An emergent laparotomy was performed, resulting in successful cyst resection. Histopathology confirms the diagnosis of PIC. The patient recovered well postoperatively, and recurrent follow-up over the next year revealed that she remained asymptomatic, with normal physical examination and vital signs. This case emphasizes the importance of considering PICs in the differential diagnosis for pediatric patients presented with intestinal obstruction, even in the absence of typical risk factors. It also highlights the value of early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention for symptomatic cases.