[Mesenteric cysts in children].

OBJECTIVES: Mesenteric cysts (MC) are benign cystic tumors that grow within mesentery or omentum tissue. We have reviewed the cases of MC reported and operated on in our centre.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of clinical records of MC cases during the period 2002-2012 RESULTS: A total of 7 patients were found. Mean age was 5.3 years (range 3-11). Abdominal ultrasound was the diagnostic tool in all cases, except for one, which was diagnosed during laparotomy. All presented abdominal pain, 5 (71.4%) vomiting, 4 (57%) gross abdominal distension, 3 (42.8%) fever, and none presented complete abdominal obstruction, although 2 patients (28.6%) had slight sub-occlusion symptoms. All MC were pedicled or sesil, except for our last case, which extended into the retroperitoneum. All specimens were reported as Limphatic Malformation. None recurred.

CONCLUSIONS: MC in children are mostly Lymphatic Malformations of mesentery or omentum origin, and clinical presentation varies from chronic abdominal pain to sudden-onset peritonitis or volvulus. About 50-60% require intestinal resection and anastomosis.