[Mesenteric panniculitis with retroperitoneal involvement resolved after treatment with intravenous cyclophosphamide

E Colomer Rubio1, A Blanes Gallego, C Carbonell Biot

  • 1Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, Valencia.

Anales De Medicina Interna (Madrid, Spain : 1984)
|April 2, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Mesenteric panniculitis, a rare inflammatory condition, can affect the abdomen. This case study shows successful treatment of a severe case with immunosuppressive therapy, leading to complete remission.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pathology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare inflammatory condition affecting the abdominal adipose tissue, leading to thickening of the mesentery.
  • Characterized by lipid-laden macrophages, inflammation, and fibrosis, its treatment lacks standardized protocols.
  • Existing treatments include colchicine, dapsone, and corticosteroids, with some cases resolving spontaneously.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with mesenteric panniculitis involving the colon and retroperitoneal space, including the right ureter and iliac vein.
  • The abdominal mass significantly impacted adjacent structures.

Findings:

  • Treatment with monthly intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide and oral corticosteroids led to complete resolution of the abdominal mass.
  • The patient remained relapse-free during a ten-month follow-up period.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy, specifically cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids, for severe mesenteric panniculitis.
  • Further research into standardized treatment protocols for this condition is warranted.
  • Successful management can prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.

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