SOC
Surgery on Children

Surgery on Children Journal aims to publish issues related to Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatric Vascular Surgery, Pediatric Gynecology and Obstetrics, Pediatric Ear Nose Throat, Ophthalmology, Pediatric Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Pediatric Urology, Pediatric Surgical Intensive Care Clinic, and other clinical surgery fields on children of the highest scientific and clinical value at an international level and accepts articles on these topics.

eISSN: 3023-7289
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Case Report
Mesenteric lymphatic malformation mimicking chylous ascites: a case report
Abstract
Mesenteric lymphatic malformations, previously referred to as mesenteric cysts, represent rare clinical entities. While these malformations are often asymptomatic, they can occasionally present with acute abdominal symptoms. The growth patterns as well as the fluid composition may vary. We present a case involving a 5-year-old patient who experienced progressive abdominal distention accompanied by an ascitic wave (initially misdiagnosed as ascites). A paracentesis was conducted, producing a cloudy fluid, which raised concerns for chylous ascites, leading to additional diagnostic assessments. Surgical intervention became necessary when laboratories, fluid analyses, and imaging studies failed to provide a conclusive diagnosis. Ultimately, laparoscopy confirmed the presence of a mesenteric lymphatic malformation. Differentiating between mesenteric lymphatic malformations and chylous ascites poses significant challenges, highlighting the importance of considering mesenteric lymphatic malformations as a crucial differential diagnosis for chylous ascites. This paper aims to improve the accuracy of diagnoses to minimize the occurrence of unnecessary interventions. Importantly, the adoption of single-incision laparoscopy has proven to be a safe method, yielding favorable outcomes for this patient. However, continued research is essential to deepen our understanding and establish effective management protocols for these distinctive conditions.

Keywords : Abdominal pain, abdominal distention, mesenteric lymphatic malformations, chylous ascites

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Article available in :
Volume 2, Issue 4, 2025
Page : 163-165
https://doi.org/10.51271/SOC-0056
Article Information
Received : 07 Nis 2025
Accepted : 24 Nis 2025
Published : 01 Eki 2025
Corresponding Author :

Maria Camila Altamar Suarez: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá University Hospital, Bogota, Colombia

[email protected]
Citation : Altamar MC, Fierro F, Mora N, et al. Mesenteric lymphatic malformation mimicking chylous ascites: a case report. Surg Child. 2025;2(4):163-165.

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