Mesenteric Cysts Presenting with Acute Intestinal Obstruction: A Case Report

Mesenteric cysts are very rare. When they occur, they are usually found either incidentally at laparotomy or during investigations for an abdominal mass. Only rarely do they present with acute intestinal obstruction. Abdominal X-ray or ultrasound may not help in confirming the diagnosis. We present 3 children with proximal bowel obstruction due to mesenteric cysts. All the cysts were congenital in origin. The 3 children needed bowel resection with primary anastomosis. All made uneventful recovery. A high index of suspicion is important when managing children with acute intestinal obstruction as mesenteric cyst may be an uncommon cause. (Key words: Mesenteric Cyst: Intestinal Obstruction). Sahel Medical Journal Vol.7(1) 2004: 39-4