# A Neonatal Surprise: A Rare Round Ligament Cyst

## TL;DR

A rare case of a neonate with a benign cyst from the round ligament of the liver was surgically treated, highlighting the importance of diagnosis and management of such rare pediatric liver ligament masses.

## Contribution

This is the first reported case of a neonatal round ligament cyst in the pediatric literature.

## Key findings

- The neonate's abdominal mass was diagnosed as a benign cyst arising from the round ligament of the liver.
- Surgical excision was performed to confirm the diagnosis and prevent potential future complications.
- Such cases are rare and require careful evaluation to distinguish from other liver masses.

## Abstract

Ligamentum teres (or round ligament) of the liver is a cord-like structure found within the falciform ligament. Lesions originating from the ligaments of the liver are a rare entity, especially in the pediatric population; they can be either benign or malignant. Here we report a case of a neonatal abdominal mass arising from the round ligament of the liver that was treated with surgical excision, raising the question of possible outcomes if left untreated.

We present a case of a term female neonate born with an abdominal mass noticed after being investigated for feed intolerance; the mass was diagnosed with radiological imaging, surgically excised at the neonatal period, and sent for histopathology. It was found to be a benign cyst arising from the round ligament of the liver.

Here we discuss the radiological and pathological findings of such a rare mass that, to the best of our knowledge, has not been found to be reported in the pediatric literature. Symptoms can be variable and nonspecific; the need for investigation and type of imaging with surgical vs. conservative intervention all depend on the nature of the mass or cyst arising from the liver ligaments; the final histopathology can be benign or malignant; therefore, excision is important to reach a final diagnosis.

In conclusion, cysts of the round ligament of the liver in a neonate have yet to be described in the literature; the etiology and the possible future symptomatology, if left untreated, are still unknown.