[Rare cause of chronic abdominal pain: retractile mesenteritis]

A 69-year-old man had a history of chronic abdominal pain and intermittent fever for more than 10 years. Due to acute epigastric pain and intermittent fever with night sweat for one week he was admitted for further investigation. On physical examination there was tenderness in the right upper and lower epigastrium without a palpable mass.

Laboratory figures showed signs of inflammation with a CRP of 103 mg/l. Leucocyte counts were normal without left shift. CT and MRI scans showed a sharp-edged mass of 10 x 8 cm in diameter in the retroperitoneal area with big vessels running through it. Laparoscopic biopsy confirmed the suspected diagnosis of retractile mesenteritis.

Under therapy with oral progesterone (Utrogestan 1 x 100 mg/d) and prednisone (Prednison 1 x 50 mg/d) there was fast symptomatic relief. A CT scan 2 months after initial diagnosis showed clear regression of the tumor.

Retractile mesenteritis is a rare cause of chronic abdominal pain with variable symptoms. Its aetiology is unknown. In case of bowel ischemia a surgical approach is preferred, milder forms may be treated with immunosuppressive agents as well as oral progesterone. Progesterone has exhibited positive effects on fatty tissue with successful treatment in desmoid tumors and retroperitoneal fibrosis. Here in we could demonstrate its safe and efficient use in a patient with retractile mesenteritis.