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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
[Etiologic spectrum of mesenteric panniculitis: report of 7 cases]
D Béchade1, X Durand, J Desramé
1Service de clinique médicale, hôpital du Val-de-Grâce, 74, boulevard de Port-Royal, 75230 Paris cedex 05, France. bechade.dominique@wanadoo.fr
Objective:
Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare disorder characterized by nonspecific inflammation and/or necrosis and/or fibrosis in the adipose tissue of the bowel mesentery. Its signification, primary or associated with other diseases, is a subject of controversy.
Methods:
A descriptive and retrospective study of patients with an abdominal CT examination showing features of mesenteric panniculitis and for whom biopsy with immunohistochemical examination was obtained in all cases.
Results:
Seven patients were enrolled (4 men and 3 women) with a median age of 62,1 years. None of the patients without an identified etiology had a history of abdominal surgery. An associated disease was identified in 4 cases: breast cancer (1), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma based on peripheric lymph nodes biopsy (2) and cryoglobulinemic vascularitis based on renal biopsy (1). In the 3 remaining cases, isolated mesenteric panniculitis was the only abnormality despite thorough imaging and pathologic investigations.
Conclusion:
Except an obvious malignancy context or a history of abdominal surgery, a pathologic examination of the mesenteric panniculitis lesions is necessary, especially to eliminate another mesenteric disorder. Mesenteric panniculitis is often associated with lymphoma.
Insights
Mesenteric panniculitis, a rare inflammatory bowel condition, often requires biopsy for diagnosis. This study highlights its association with lymphoma and other conditions, emphasizing the need for pathological examination.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
- Radiology
Context:
- Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare condition affecting the bowel mesentery.
- Its primary role versus association with other diseases remains debated.
Purpose:
- To investigate the significance and diagnostic approach for mesenteric panniculitis.
- To identify associated conditions and evaluate the necessity of biopsy.
Summary:
- A retrospective study analyzed seven patients with mesenteric panniculitis diagnosed via CT and biopsy.
- Associated conditions included breast cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.
- Three cases presented as isolated mesenteric panniculitis without identified comorbidities.
Impact:
- Pathological examination is crucial for diagnosing mesenteric panniculitis, especially when malignancy or surgical history is absent.
- Mesenteric panniculitis is frequently associated with lymphoma, underscoring the need for comprehensive workup.
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