Paediatric intraperitoneal cystic masses: 10-year follow-up

Abstract

We report 18 cases of intraperitoneal cystic masses in paediatric patients collected during the past 10 years in our institution. The radiological and sonographic findings are described and the histopathological correlation documented. According to the classification based on the histological characteristics of the cyst wall there were: 7 lymphangiomas, 5 duplication and enteric cysts, 2 intraperitoneal pseudocysts, 3 cases of mesenteric hydatidosis and 1 case of peritoneal tuberculosis. The purpose of the study was to establish a correlation between the ultrasound and histological findings in mesenteric and omental cysts and to attempt a unified classification based on aetiological and histopathological criteria. Despite the non-specific radiological signs, the sonographic appearance of mesenteric and omental cysts is useful in preoperative diagnosis because it allows lymphangioma, the most aggressive cyst, to be distinguished from other intraperitoneal cystic masses. Furthermore, enteric duplication cysts have specific ultrasonographic characteristics.