Cysts of serendipity

Purpose

Primary intradiaphragmatic cysts are diagnostically challenging lesions. Often serendipitously discovered on radiological examination, intradiaphragmatic cysts are uncommon and require surgical resection for accurate identification.

Methods

Two children, aged 16 and 4 years, presented for surgical evaluation of what were believed to be asymptomatic cystic lesions of hepatic origin.

Conclusion

Imaging studies of the 2 intradiaphragmatic cysts suggested lesions of extradiaphragmatic origins, and surgical excision was necessary for accurate diagnosis. The limitations of imaging studies in determining malignancy necessitate surgical intervention for lesions of the diaphragm and peridiaphragmatic structures.