Mesenteric Panniculitis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of mesenteric panniculitis?

Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare inflammatory condition that affects the mesentery, which is the membrane that attaches the small intestine to the back of the abdominal wall. The symptoms of mesenteric panniculitis can vary in severity and may include:

1. Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain is a common symptom of mesenteric panniculitis, which can range from mild to severe and may be constant or intermittent.
2. Abdominal tenderness: Abdominal tenderness is a common finding on physical examination, which may be localized to the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.
3. Fever: Fever is a common symptom of mesenteric panniculitis, which can range from mild to high-grade.
4. Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of mesenteric panniculitis, which can be caused by inflammation and obstruction of the intestine.
5. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a common symptom of mesenteric panniculitis, which can be caused by inflammation and malabsorption of nutrients.
6. Weight loss: Weight loss is a common symptom of mesenteric panniculitis, which can be caused by malabsorption of nutrients and decreased appetite.
7. Fatigue: Fatigue is a common symptom of mesenteric panniculitis, which can be caused by malnutrition and decreased appetite.
8. Abdominal mass: An abdominal mass may be palpable in some cases of mesenteric panniculitis, which can be tender or non-tender.
9. Blood in stool: Blood in stool may occur in some cases of mesenteric panniculitis, which can be caused by inflammation and ulceration of the intestine.
10. Intestinal obstruction: Intestinal obstruction is a potential complication of mesenteric panniculitis, which can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

It’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as timely diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

What are the causes of mesenteric panniculitis?

Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare inflammatory condition that affects the mesentery, which is the membrane that attaches the small intestine to the back of the abdominal wall. The causes of mesenteric panniculitis are not well understood, but several factors are thought to contribute to its development:

1. Infection: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can trigger inflammation and swelling in the mesentery, leading to mesenteric panniculitis.
2. Autoimmune disorders: Autoimmune disorders such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and sarcoidosis can cause inflammation in the mesentery and lead to mesenteric panniculitis.
3. Trauma: Trauma to the abdomen or blunt trauma can cause inflammation and damage to the mesentery, leading to mesenteric panniculitis.
4. Tumors: Tumors in the abdomen or lymph nodes in the mesentery can cause inflammation and compression of the intestine, leading to mesenteric panniculitis.
5. Vascular disorders: Vascular disorders such as atherosclerosis, vasculitis, or vasculopathy can cause inflammation and damage to the blood vessels in the mesentery, leading to mesenteric panniculitis.
6. Inflammatory bowel disease: Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation and scarring in the mesentery, leading to mesenteric panniculitis.
7. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy to the abdomen can cause inflammation and damage to the mesentery, leading to mesenteric panniculitis.
8. Medications: Certain medications such as antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause inflammation and damage to the mesentery, leading to mesenteric panniculitis.

It’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of mesenteric panniculitis, as timely diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

How is the diagnosis of mesenteric panniculitis made?

The diagnosis of mesenteric panniculitis is typically made through a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laparoscopic or surgical exploration. Here are the steps involved in making a diagnosis of mesenteric panniculitis:

1. Clinical evaluation: A thorough medical history and physical examination are performed to assess symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
2. Imaging studies: Imaging studies such as:
   • Computed Tomography (CT) scan: to evaluate the small intestine and mesentery for signs of inflammation or obstruction.
   • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan: to evaluate the small intestine and mesentery for signs of inflammation or obstruction.
   • Ultrasound: to evaluate the small intestine and mesentery for signs of inflammation or obstruction.
3. Laparoscopic or surgical exploration: Laparoscopic or surgical exploration may be necessary to visually inspect the small intestine and mesentery for signs of inflammation or damage.
4. Biopsy: A biopsy may be performed to collect tissue samples from the affected area for histopathological examination.
5. Endoscopy: Endoscopy may be performed to visualize the inside of the small intestine and assess for signs of inflammation or damage.

The diagnosis of mesenteric panniculitis is typically confirmed by a combination of these diagnostic tests. The presence of inflamed lymph nodes, granulomas, and fibrosis in the mesentery on histopathological examination is characteristic of mesenteric panniculitis.

It’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of mesenteric panniculitis, as timely diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

What is the treatment for mesenteric panniculitis?

The treatment for mesenteric panniculitis depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Here are some common treatments for mesenteric panniculitis:

1. Conservative management: In mild cases, conservative management with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and pain relief medications may be sufficient to manage symptoms.
2. Surgery: In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the inflamed tissue, repair any damaged intestine, or repair any abdominal abscesses.
3. Laparoscopic surgery: Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows for visualization of the inside of the abdomen without making a large incision.
4. Open surgery: Open surgery is a more invasive surgical technique that requires a larger incision to access the abdominal cavity.
5. Antibiotics: Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat bacterial infections that may be contributing to the development of mesenteric panniculitis.
6. Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling in the affected area.
7. Pain relief medications: Pain relief medications such as acetaminophen or codeine may be prescribed to manage pain and discomfort.
8. Nutrition support: Nutritional support in the form of enteral nutrition or parenteral nutrition may be necessary in severe cases of mesenteric panniculitis to provide adequate nutrition and prevent malnutrition.
9. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may be used to treat cancerous tumors that are causing mesenteric panniculitis.
10. Medications to manage symptoms: Medications such as antihistamines, antispasmodics, and antacids may be prescribed to manage symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

It’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and symptoms.