Intraabdominal panniculitis. Report of three cases and review of the literature

D Hammoud1, N Khoury, G Rouhana

  • 1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, AUB-MC, Beirut, Lebanon. rad@aub.edu.lb

Insights

Intraabdominal panniculitis is a rare mesenteric disorder causing abdominal pain. Characteristic imaging findings aid diagnosis, with biopsy confirming the condition and guiding treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Radiology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Intraabdominal panniculitis is an uncommon, benign idiopathic condition affecting the mesentery.
  • It often presents with abdominal pain and a palpable mass, necessitating diagnostic investigation.

Observation:

  • Cross-sectional imaging reveals a distinctive fibrofatty mesenteric mass.
  • This mass typically encases mesenteric vessels and displaces adjacent bowel loops.

Findings:

  • Imaging findings are suggestive of intraabdominal panniculitis.
  • Image-guided percutaneous biopsy is crucial for definitive diagnosis and staging.

Implications:

  • Accurate diagnosis and staging via imaging and biopsy are essential for appropriate therapeutic selection.
  • Imaging plays a vital role in excluding malignancies and monitoring disease progression.

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