Mesenteric cyst of lymphatic origin: a radiopathological correlation and case report

Mesenteric cysts are uncommon abdominal masses in children. They occur most frequently in the small bowel mesentery and often contain chylous fluid. These cysts may be multilocular, grow to huge proportions and are believed to be caused by obstructed, malformed, ectopic lymphatic tissue. The patients' clinical presentations is dependent on cyst size, location and related complications such as partial or complete bowel obstruction, perforation, peritonitis, volvulus and malignant degeneration. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice. Ultrasound and CT are the most valuable modalities for evaluating mesenteric cysts.