Mesenteric cyst: report of a case-resulting in pseudomyxoma peritonei.

BACKGROUND A mesenteric cyst may have an embryonic, traumatic, neoplastic or infectious origin. In rare cases mesenteric cysts may contain neoplastic epithelium. A mesenteric cyst has not previously been recorded as the cause of pseudomyxoma peritonei. METHODS A patient who developed widespread mucinous intraperitoneal tumor as a result of a ruptured mesenteric cyst is reported. A literature review of the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the mesenteric cyst is presented. RESULTS This patient was treated with cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Her recovery was uneventful and she remains well two years after treatment. CONCLUSION Mesenteric cyst is a rare cause of pseudomyxoma peritonei. The definite treatment of a ruptured neoplastic mesenteric cyst can, by analogy, be compared to the treatment for pseudomyxoma peritonei of appendiceal origin. The results of cytoreductive surgery with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy are expected to be good.