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Mesenteric lipoma causing small bowel perforation: a case report and review of literature

D G Watt1, P Sanjay, S V Walsh

  • 1Department of General Surgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, UK. davidwatt1@nhs.net

Scottish Medical Journal
|September 25, 2012
PubMed

Insights

A rare mesenteric lipoma caused small bowel perforation in a 72-year-old man, leading to abdominal pain and requiring surgery. This unique presentation of a small bowel lipoma causing perforation is unprecedented in medical literature.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Mesenteric lipomas are rare benign tumors of adipose tissue.
  • They rarely cause complications such as bowel obstruction or volvulus.

Observation:

  • A 72-year-old male presented with lower abdominal pain and elevated inflammatory markers.
  • Abdominal CT revealed small bowel perforation and terminal ileum edema.
  • Laparotomy identified a mesenteric lipoma as the cause of perforation.

Findings:

  • This case represents a unique presentation of a mesenteric lipoma causing direct small bowel perforation.
  • The lipoma's size and location likely led to ischemia and subsequent perforation.

Implications:

  • Highlights the potential for mesenteric lipomas, though rare, to cause life-threatening complications.
  • Suggests considering lipomas in the differential diagnosis of small bowel perforation, particularly in older patients.
  • Underscores the importance of thorough intraoperative evaluation for unexpected pathologies.

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