Cecal duplication causing a disappearing abdominal mass in an infant

Duplications of the alimentary tract are rare malformations. A case of a 2- year-old girl with an intestinal intussusception caused by a cystic duplica tion of the cecum is presented. This case report is justified by its clinic al features and the difficult diagnosis, which was only confirmed during su rgery. Ultrasonography had documented an abdominal mass that then disappear ed and later reappeared, leading to surgical indication. During surgery, th e intussusception within the abdomen was reduced, and right hemicolectomy w as performed around the mass in the interior part of the cecum and appendix , with ileocolic anastomosis. On resecting the cecum, a cystic duplication measuring 4 x 3 cm was observed, with a granular mucous layer, an ulcerated hole in its interior, and inflammatory reaction. The patient had an uneven tful recovery and was discharged on the fourth postoperative day. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.