Heterotopic mesenteric ossification ('intraabdominal myositis ossificans'): report of five cases

J D Wilson1, C J Montague, P Salcuni

  • 1Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10021, USA.

Insights

Intraabdominal heterotopic ossification, a rare condition, presents as bone formation in the small bowel mesentery, often following abdominal surgery. This reactive process mimics myositis ossificans and is proposed to be termed heterotopic mesenteric ossification.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pathology
  • Surgical Oncology

Background:

  • Intraabdominal heterotopic ossification is an exceedingly rare clinical finding.
  • Previous literature on this condition is limited, necessitating further investigation into its characteristics.

Observation:

  • Five new cases of intraabdominal heterotopic ossification were identified, predominantly in middle-aged to elderly men.
  • All patients presented with small bowel obstruction, linked to heterotopic bone formation within the small bowel mesentery.
  • A history of prior abdominal surgeries was common among affected individuals.

Findings:

  • The clinical presentation of these cases aligns with previously reported instances, suggesting a consistent pattern of the disorder.
  • The pathological features resemble those of myositis ossificans, a reactive process typically found in somatic soft tissues.
  • In one instance, the condition was initially misdiagnosed as extraosseous osteosarcoma, highlighting diagnostic challenges.

Implications:

  • The study proposes a new designation, "heterotopic mesenteric ossification," for this distinct pathological entity.
  • Understanding this condition is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate patient management, particularly in differentiating it from malignancies.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise etiology and pathogenesis of heterotopic mesenteric ossification.