Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Chylous Mesenteric Cysts

Abstract

Mesenteric cysts are benign congenital cysts typically discovered incidentally during abdominal explorations for other reasons. When feasible, they should be excised to prevent recurrence, bowel obstruction or volvulus, and resulting complications. We present a unique case of an infant, diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound with possible bowel obstruction, found to have micro and macro chylous mesenteric cysts. Although initially asymptomatic with normal abdominal x-ray and discharged on day of life 2, the parents were taught how to recognize symptoms of bowel obstruction. He presented at 1 month with obstructive symptoms, was confirmed to have large mesenteric cystic structures on ultrasound, and was immediately taken to the operating room. Due to the extensive number of cysts and intimate involvement of the largest cyst with the superior mesenteric artery, he was treated with partial excision and observation since resection may have resulted in short gut syndrome. Given a prenatal ultrasound suggestive of mesenteric cysts, we recommend abdominal imaging at birth with close follow-up until the appropriate time for elective resection. When disease is extensive precluding full enucleation and resection, we advocate for enucleation in combination with unroofing of as many cysts as possible followed by postoperative surveillance ultrasounds and family counseling.