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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Sonographic findings of mesenteric panniculitis: correlation with CT and literature review
Nuria Rosón1, Victoria Garriga, Miguel Cuadrado
1Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Granollers, Francesc Ribas, sn, 08400 Granollers, Barcelona, Spain.
Purpose:
To evaluate the sonographic findings of mesenteric panniculitis (MP) and correlate them with CT findings.
Methods:
We retrospectively evaluated the clinical, CT, and sonographic findings in 26 cases of MP in our hospital between January 1997 and July 2003. We also reviewed the sonographic features of MP previously described in the literature.
Results:
The sonographic findings were well correlated to CT in 24 of 26 patients (92%). In these 24 cases, abdominal sonographic examination revealed a hyperechogenic, well-defined fatty mass (corresponding to the pseudocapsule CT sign) in the root of the mesentery, displacing the bowel loops. We found a clear interface between MP and normal intra abdominal fat. Examination with color Doppler sonography revealed the nondeviated mesenteric vessels within the mass. The persence of MP improved sonographic transmission in 9 obese patients and enabled the retroperitoneal vessels to be clearly visualized. Sonography was unable to demonstrate the preservation of the fat nearest the mesenteric vessels corresponding to the "fatty halo" sign on CT.
Conclusions:
Sonography is useful in the diagnostic workup for MP. The characteristic sonographic features of MP (well-defined mass, homogeneous hyperechogenicity of the mass, nondeviated vessels within the mass, and displaced bowel loops) correlate well with CT findings.
Insights
Sonography is a valuable tool for diagnosing mesenteric panniculitis (MP), showing a well-defined, hyperechogenic mass that correlates well with CT scans. This imaging technique aids in identifying characteristic features of MP.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) is an inflammatory condition affecting the mesentery.
- Accurate diagnosis of MP is crucial for appropriate patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate sonographic findings in mesenteric panniculitis (MP).
- To correlate sonographic findings with computed tomography (CT) findings in MP.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 26 MP cases (1997-2003).
- Evaluation of clinical, CT, and sonographic data.
- Review of existing literature on sonographic features of MP.
Main Results:
- Sonography correlated well with CT findings in 92% of cases.
- Characteristic sonographic findings included a hyperechogenic, well-defined fatty mass displacing bowel loops.
- Color Doppler revealed nondeviated mesenteric vessels within the mass; sonography did not show the CT 'fatty halo' sign.
Conclusions:
- Sonography is a useful diagnostic modality for mesenteric panniculitis.
- Characteristic sonographic features of MP align with CT findings, aiding in diagnosis.
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