Mesenteric cyst

Mesenteric cysts are relatively rare and are a benign condition, with 70% occurring in adults and 25% in those under 10 years of age. The male-to-female ratio is approximately 1:1.2. Clinical symptoms include abdominal mass and distension, intermittent abdominal pain, and decreased appetite; severe cases may be accompanied by fever, vomiting, and diarrhea lasting several days, which may recur after remission. Small cysts generally present no symptoms or signs. When a cyst enlarges to a certain extent, a series of clinical symptoms and signs appear. The diagnosis of mesenteric cysts relies mainly on clinical manifestations and auxiliary examinations. Mesenteric cysts are congenital lymphatic spaces that gradually enlarge as lymph fluid fills them. They may result from abnormal embryonic intestinal development, lymphatic fluid retention due to mesenteric trauma, or parasitic infection. Diagnosis depends mainly on clinical presentation and the following auxiliary examinations. Small mesenteric cysts require no treatment; once enlarged, they are prone to complicating acute abdomen, and early surgery should be performed upon confirmed diagnosis. Approximately 60% of mesenteric cysts are located in the small intestinal mesentery, 24% in the colonic mesentery, and another 16% in the retroperitoneum.