Mesenteric lymphangioma causing bowel obstruction: report of one case

Acta Paediatr Taiwan. 2002 Jan-Feb;43(1):43-5.

Abstract

A 6-year-old female was sent to our ER due to nausea, vomiting and abdominal distension for 2 days. This child had a history of constipation and failed intermittent medical treatment for 2 years. Her plain abdominal X-ray showed multiple intestinal loops and under the impression of acute abdomen with mechanical intestinal obstruction, an exploratory laparotomy was performed. A huge mesenteric tumor was discovered to be the cause of the intestinal obstruction; the involved bowel and the mesenteric lymphangioma were resected and primary anastomosis was done. Mesenteric cystic lymphangioma is a rare cause of bowel obstruction; preoperative diagnosis is difficult due to silent clinical course and lack of awareness of the clinical and morphological features of this disease. The case is presented along with a review of literature with the conclusion that a high index of suspicion is recommended. An abdominal ultrasonography may be recommended to evaluate a long-term constipated child to ascertain that any cystic lesion will not be missed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology*
  • Jejunal Neoplasms / complications*
  • Jejunal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lymphangioma, Cystic / complications*
  • Lymphangioma, Cystic / pathology
  • Mesenteric Cyst / pathology
  • Mesentery
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / complications*