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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Dissection of the Mouse Pancreas for Histological Analysis and Metabolic Profiling
Published on: August 19, 2017
Sclerosing mesenteritis seen clinically as pancreatic pseudotumor: two cases and a review
R A Sheikh1, T P Prindiville, D Arenson
1Department of Gastroenterology, University of California, Davis, USA.
Abstract:
Sclerosing mesenteritis is an uncommon nonneoplastic inflammatory process in the mesentery that is seen as a pseudotumor, usually involving the small bowel mesentery, the mesenteric fat, and less commonly, the mesentery of the large bowel. We report two cases of sclerosing mesenteritis and review the literature on this rare disease. Both patients had pain, profound weight loss, and a mass on computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen. The provisional diagnosis was pancreatic neoplasm on the basis of clinical presentation and imaging studies. The diagnosis of sclerosing mesenteritis was established by histologic findings in biopsy material obtained at laparotomy in both cases. Interval histologic studies in one patient who had a high CA 19-9 level, progressive biliary ductal and partial duodenal compression, revealed a transitional histologic pattern from predominant inflammation and fat necrosis to predominant fibrosis. This may explain the varied descriptive terms used in the literature to describe this entity.
Insights
Sclerosing mesenteritis, a rare inflammatory condition, can mimic pancreatic cancer. Histologic examination is crucial for accurate diagnosis, revealing a spectrum from inflammation to fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Background:
- Sclerosing mesenteritis is an uncommon, non-neoplastic inflammatory process affecting the mesentery.
- It often presents as a pseudotumor, primarily involving the small bowel mesentery and mesenteric fat.
Observation:
- Two cases of sclerosing mesenteritis are presented, both exhibiting abdominal pain, significant weight loss, and a CT-detected mass.
- Initial clinical and imaging findings suggested pancreatic neoplasm.
Findings:
- Histologic examination of biopsy material obtained during laparotomy confirmed sclerosing mesenteritis in both patients.
- One patient demonstrated a transitional histologic pattern, evolving from inflammation and fat necrosis to fibrosis, potentially explaining varied literature descriptions.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of sclerosing mesenteritis is essential to differentiate it from malignancy.
- Understanding the histologic spectrum aids in consistent terminology and patient management.
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