DISCUSSION
        In children, mesenteric cysts are cystic lymphangiomas. These lesions are probably developmental anomalies in which the lymphatic vessels of the mesentery fail to communicate with the central lymphatic system, resulting in the formation of a large mass of dilated, fluid-filled lymphatic spaces [1]. The most common location of a mesenteric cyst is in the small bowel mesentery, with the mesocolon and omentum being less common sites of origin [2].
        Children with intra-abdominal lymphangiomas usually present in the first few years of life with asymptomatic abdominal masses, low-grade abdominal pain, or abdominal distention. However they may present with chronic abdominal pain or acute pain secondary to a complication such as torsion, rupture, hemorrhage, or GI obstruction [2].
        Pathologically, the cysts are solitary uni- or multilocular lesions and contain chylous, serous, or mucinous fluid. Calcifications are rare [3].
        Plain films show a large mass displacing bowel loops. Dilated loops may be seen in patients with partial obstruction [4]. Ultrasonography usually shows a multiloculated cystic mass, usually with thin septations. The fluid is usually anechoic but may contain echoes of blood, chyle, or purulent [1]. Mesenteric cysts appear on CT as well-defined, near-water density masses that sometimes contain thin higher density septa [2]. Although the content of the cyst is usually of water density, cysts containing mucinous fluid or blood can have higher density. They can also be of near-fat density if they contain chylous fluid. The septa may enhance [4].

REFERENCES:
1. Buonomo C, Taylor GA, Share JC, Kirks DR. Gastrointestinal tract. In: Kirks DR, Griscom NT, editors. Practical pediatric imaging: diagnostic radiology of infants and children. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven, 1998: 927.
2. Heiken JP, Winn SS. Abdominal wall and peritoneal cavity. In: Lee JKT, Sagel SS, Stanley RJ, Heiken JP, editors. Computed body tomography with MRI correlation. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven, 1998: 996-7.
3. Siegel MJ. Spleen and peritoneal cavity. In: Siegel MJ, editor. Pediatric sonography. 2nd ed. New York: Raven Press, 1995:257.
4. Parker BR. The small intestine. In: Silverman FN, Kuhn JP, editors. Caffey's pediatric x-ray diagnosis: an integrated imaging approach. 9th ed. St. Louis: Mosby, 1993: 1062-3.