Mesenteric chylous cysts simulating a pelvic disease: a case report

Mesenteric chylous cysts, also known as retroperitoneal chylomatous cysts, mesenteric lymphangiomas or chyloma of the mesentery, are extremely rare and their aspecific clinical presentation can mimic other diseases. In addition, imaging techniques, which are rarely helpful in the correct diagnosis, can demonstrate aspecific features. The Authors report the case of a 62-year-old woman admitted to the hospital for two incidental abdominal masses diagnosed during a yearly monitoring examination and considered to be large adnexal masses. The abdominal masses were removed at laparotomy. Both frozen section and final histopathological examination showed mesenteric chylous cysts. Mesenteric chylous cysts are usually a benign abdominal pathology. As illustrated by this case, even if they are extremely rare, they should be not underrated. The Authors review the literature, confirming the rarity of the disease and defining its characteristics.