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 duplication of the cecum is presented. This case report is justified by its clinical features and the difficult diagnosis, which was only confirmed during surgery. Ultrasonography had documented an abdominal mass that then disappeared and later reappeared, leading to surgical indication. During surgery, the intussusception within the abdomen was reduced, and right hemicolectomy was 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 uneventful recovery and was discharged on the fourth postoperative day. Copyright 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.