Antimesenteric Border of an Ovarian Cyst
The antimesenteric border of an ovarian cyst refers to the side of the ovary opposite to where the blood vessels enter—specifically, the side away from the uteroovarian ligament and infundibulopelvic ligament that carry the ovarian blood supply.
Anatomical Definition
The ovary has two distinct borders based on its vascular supply:
Mesenteric border (hilum): The side where blood vessels enter and exit the ovary through the uteroovarian ligament (containing mesenteric vasculature) and the infundibulopelvic ligament (containing the ovarian artery and veins) 1
Antimesenteric border: The opposite side, furthest from the vascular pedicle and blood supply 1
Clinical Relevance
This anatomical distinction is particularly important in surgical contexts:
Surgical Applications
When performing ovarian biopsies or cyst excisions, surgeons typically approach from the antimesenteric margin toward the mesenteric area to:
- Minimize risk of vascular injury
- Preserve ovarian blood supply
- Maintain ovarian function 1
The surgical technique involves stabilizing the mesenteric vasculature first (using clamps on the uteroovarian and infundibulopelvic ligaments), then excising tissue from the antimesenteric side, stopping before reaching the mesenteric vessels to avoid compromising blood supply 1.
Imaging Considerations
While the O-RADS US guidelines 2 provide comprehensive terminology for characterizing ovarian cysts, they focus on internal cyst features (wall thickness, septations, solid components) rather than anatomical borders. The antimesenteric-mesenteric distinction is primarily a surgical anatomical concept rather than a radiologic descriptor used in cyst characterization or risk stratification.