Radiological assessment of mesenteric and retroperitoneal cysts in adults: is there a role for chemical shift MRI?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the potential role for chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying lymphangiomas from other cystic mesenteric and retroperitoneal masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective search of radiology database identified 24 consecutive patients with mesenteric and retroperitoneal cysts (nine men, 15 women; mean age, 41 years; age range, 19-75 years) who had undergone MR which included in-phase and opposed-phase chemical shift imaging. Signal intensity (SI) decrease between in-phase and opposed-phase MR images of the cyst was evaluated qualitatively by two radiologists. Ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and MRI findings of the morphological appearances of all the cystic lesions that demonstrated significant signal drop on chemical shift MR were also recorded. RESULTS: Of mesenteric and retroperitoneal cysts, 33% (8/24) revealed qualitative decrease in intensity on opposed-phase MR images relative to that seen on in-phase images. On ultrasound, these cysts demonstrated anechoic simple fluid. Their mean CT attenuation was 13 HU (range: 5-20 HU). Signal loss on fat-suppressed T1-weighted sequences was displayed only by a single cyst. None of the lesions with qualitative SI decrease on opposed-phase MR showed suggestion of lipid on US and CT. CONCLUSION: The presence of intra cystic lipid detected by chemical shift MR may not be overt on cross-sectional imaging such as US and CT. Chemical shift MRI provides additional sensitivity and specificity as an imaging test for demonstration of lipid within mesenteric and retroperitoneal cysts enabling a higher diagnostic yield for lymphangioma leading to more appropriate patient management.

Extraovarian conditions mimicking ovarian cancer: a single center experience of 15 years.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to review cases of extra-ovarian conditions that resembled ovarian malignancy and thus, to evaluate the distribution of primary pathology mimicking ovarian malignancy. METHODS: A retrospective review of women, with final pathology of extra-ovarian diseases mimicking ovarian malignancy, which were managed at Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital, from January 1995 to April 2010 was undertaken. RESULTS: Among the 2,210 women treated during the study period, extra-ovarian diseases accounted for 5.11% (113/2,210) of all the cases. Of the 113 extra-ovarian diseases, 42 (37.17%) were peritoneal tuberculosis, 25 (22.13%) were gastrointestinal malignancies, 20 (17.70%) were pelvic abscess, 8 (7.08%) were pelvic echinococcosis, 8 (7.08) were schwannoma and other retroperitoneal tumors, 4 (3.53%) were malignant lymphoma, 2 (1.77%) were chronic ectopic pregnancy, gossypiboma, and mesenteric cyst, respectively. CONCLUSION: Medical awareness of infectious diseases such as peritoneal tuberculosis, pelvic abscess, and pelvic echinococcosis in the differential diagnosis of ovarian malignancy is still lacking, especially in developing countries. In addition, in case of a pelvic mass, gastrointestinal and retroperitoneal tumors and malignant lymphoma should always be considered to avoid pitfalls in diagnosis and therapy.

Pseudoascites: report of three cases.

Giant intra-abdominal cysts masquerading as ascites are rare. We present three cases with giant intra-abdominal cysts (one mesenteric cyst, two ovarian) that were initially misdiagnosed as refractory ascites in another hospital. On ultrasound examination, displacement of bowel loops to outside the fluid without dispersion of fluid around the liver and spleen were the main findings suggesting the possibility of giant intra-abdominal cysts in our patients. In all three patients, the diagnosis of giant intra-abdominal cysts was confirmed after their total excision. Clinicians must consider processes other than ascites in the differential diagnosis of large abdominal fluid accumulation.

Multilocular peritoneal inclusion cyst with extensive xanthogranulomatous stromal changes: a differential diagnosis of cystic pelvic tumors in women.

This report presents an unusual case of multilocular peritoneal inclusion cyst with extensive xanthogranulomatous changes in the cyst stroma occurring in a 21-year-old woman. The multicystic tumor was found attached to the mesentery of the terminal ileum. Microscopically, the cystic spaces were lined by flattened to cuboidal cells, which displayed immunoreactivity for cytokeratin but not for factor VIII-related antigen. Large stromal areas contained cholesterol clefts, multinucleated foreign body giant cells, and accumulations of foam cells. The pathogenesis of this multilocular peritoneal inclusion cyst remains obscure. The patient is disease-free 10 years after surgery. The most important differential diagnosis to this case is mature cystic teratoma of the ovary with xanthogranulomatous changes.

Mesenteric cyst with milk of calcium.

A mesenteric cyst with milk of calcium in an adult patient is presented. Preoperative evaluation included plain film, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To our knowledge, the presence of milk of calcium in a mesenteric cyst has not been previously described.