Mesenteric cyst in infancy: presentation and management.

Mesenteric cysts are documented as a rare entity in pediatric population. They are considered as benign intra-abdominal tumors with an unknown etiology. Symptoms are not specific and knowledge of such condition is essential in order to establish a proper management. We report three pediatrics cases of mesenteric cysts managed between 2000 and 2009 in the pediatric surgery Department of Monastir College Hospital. We described the clinical, radiological and operative findings. Two males and a female were managed (age range: 10 days-5years, mean age: 6,3years). Two patients were presented with an intestinal obstruction. A preoperative diagnosis was made basing on imaging. Thus, abdominal ultrasonography was performed in all of our reported cases and showed a cystic mass in all cases. The cystic nature of the mass, its margins and its extension were better described on tomographic images. The mesenteric cyst was completely and successfully removed in all cases. The histopathological report confirmed the diagnosis and showed a multiloculated cyst with columnar mesothelial lining, without any defined muscular layer or cellular atypia and without any evidence of malignancy. The children were evaluated post-operatively with a mean follow-up of 2 years and a half. No recurrence was noted in our patients during the follow-up period. It is known that clinical features are not specific of such anomaly but once the diagnosis is made, the complete surgical removal of the cyst remains the treatment of choice with excellent outcomes.

An Uncommon Combination of Fractures around the Elbow: Capitellum Fracture Associated with Radial Head Fracture.

INTRODUCTION: The coexistence of fractures of capitulum humeri and radial head in the elbow joint is a rare entity. CASE REPORT: A 30-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital after having sustained a fall on her outstretched right arm. She complained of pain, swelling, and restriction of motion of the right elbow joint. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs revealed displaced fractures in the capitellum and the radial head. The patient was operated. Fractures were exposed through a lateral (Kocher) incision. Fracture was reduced, and fixation was performed with 2 AO compression screw. Two fragments of radial head fracture were also reduced and fixed with AO compression screw. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were excellent at the end of a 5-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: These fractures occurred following a fall on the palm with outstretched arm. The success of the treatment depends greatly on surgical approach and suitable technique which requires comprehensive knowledge of detailed anatomy and biomechanics of the elbow.