CT Findings of Cystic and Solid Masses of the Mesentery

ABSTRACT

CT remains the optimal imaging modality for diagnosing cystic and solid masses in the mesentery. CT may provide important information regarding the lesion? location, size and shape, the presence and thickness of a wall, the presence of septa, calcifications or fat, and the involvement of adjacent structures. Although percutaneous imaging-guided or surgical biopsy is often necessary to guide medical management, analysis of the CT features along with the clinical history may be helpful in differentiating mesenteric masses, including cystic lesions and primary neoplasms arising from the mesenchymal tissues or the secondary metastatic lesions. CT is useful not only for detecting cystic and solid mesenteric masses, but also for helping physicians become familiar with the features of various mesenteric masses for accurate diagnosis and treatment.