Mesenteric panniculitis: an update

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pathology

Background:

• Mesenteric panniculitis, first described in 1924 as 'retractile mesenteritis,' is a rare condition.
• It involves degeneration, inflammation, and scarring of mesenteric adipose tissue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinicopathological features, disease course, treatment options, and pathogenetic mechanisms of mesenteric panniculitis.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on mesenteric panniculitis.
• Analysis of clinicopathological findings, including gross and histological features.
• Discussion of diagnostic methods, primarily computed tomography.

Main Results:

• Clinical presentations vary, including abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting.
• Computed tomography findings are typically diagnostic.
• Histological examination reveals chronic inflammation, fat necrosis, and fibrosis.

Conclusions:

• Mesenteric panniculitis is a complex inflammatory process affecting the mesentery.
• Understanding its varied presentations and pathological basis is crucial for effective management.