RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Mesenteric lymphangioma are rare tumours. They usually present early on in life, if congenital, or soon after trauma. The usual sites of presentation of lymphangiomas are in the neck, and axillae. In the abdomen they are more common in the mesentery, primarily of the ileum, or retroperitoneal. OBJECTIVE: A rare case is presented of a mesenteric lymphangioma. CLINICAL CASE: It involves an elderly African-American male, many years after trauma, and characterised with early satiety, causing weight loss, but without gastric outlet obstruction or vomiting. Its diagnosis, management and review of literature are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Mesenteric cysts are rare tumours that should be included as differential diagnosis in elderly patients with a history of previous abdominal trauma.