Internal Bowel Herniation into a Ruptured Mesenteric Cyst Mimicking Intussusception in a 15 week-old infant: A Case Report

Abstract

Intestinal obstruction in all surgical age groups is a surgical emergency. Mesenteric cysts, are commonly asymptomatic, but may present with unspecific abdominal symptoms or with complications, however, they rarely present in infancy. We present a case of a 15-week-old male who presented with clinical and radiological features in keeping with intussusception but was found at surgery to have internal small bowel herniation into a ruptured mesenteric cyst sac. We aim to highlight the peculiarities and review the available literature on this subject. Conclusion Mesenteric cysts are rare intra-abdominal masses that can be seen at any age. Atypical presentations with complications could be the first presentation. Meticulous surgical technique to excise the entire wall of the cyst or deroof the cyst without compromising the blood supply in the mesentery is paramount to prevent further bowel ischaemia.