Mesenteric lymphatic malformation associated with small-bowel volvulus - Two cases and a review of the literature

Cystic mesenteric lymphatic malformations are uncommon abdominal masses, which can cause abdominal signs and symptoms for a wide variety of reasons. Symptoms owing to volvulus are uncommon and have not been illustrated previously in the radiology literature. We present two cases to illustrate volvulus as a complication of mesenteric lymphatic malformations and how imaging can aid in the diagnosis of this complication. While uncommon, volvulus should be considered in any child with sonographic findings of an abdominal lymphatic malformation and acute abdominal pain.