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Retractile mesenteritis presenting as protein-losing gastroenteropathy
Bahe Rajendran1, Donald R Duerksen
1Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg.
Summary
Retractile mesenteritis, a rare inflammatory condition, can cause protein-losing enteropathy. Diagnosis involves stool alpha1-antitrypsin clearance, and treatment may include immunosuppressants.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Retractile mesenteritis is a rare idiopathic condition involving mesenteric adipose tissue inflammation.
- Common symptoms include abdominal pain and palpable masses.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old man presented with peripheral edema and hypoalbuminemia.
- Protein-losing enteropathy was confirmed via stool alpha1-antitrypsin clearance.
- Retractile mesenteritis was diagnosed during laparoscopy.
Findings:
- This case highlights retractile mesenteritis presenting atypically with edema and hypoalbuminemia.
- Stool alpha1-antitrypsin clearance is crucial for diagnosing protein-losing enteropathy.
Implications:
- Gastroenterologists should consider protein-losing enteropathy in patients with unexplained edema or hypoalbuminemia.
- Various treatments exist for retractile mesenteritis, including corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
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