Omental cyst presenting with profound anaemia

Abstract

A male infant presented acutely with profound anaemia and abdominal distension. At laparotomy, a huge omental cyst was found. We reviewed our experience of this rare cause of abdominal pathology identifying five further cases since 2005, with a variety of presentations. The optimal treatment, complete resection, is associated with a low morbidity. The presentation with profound anaemia and shock due to haemorrhage into the cyst is unusual.

Keywords

• Anaemia
• haemorrhage
• mesenteric cyst
• omental cyst
• paediatric