Is there an association between mesenteric panniculitis and lymphoma? A case control analysis

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) is a rare condition affecting the mesentery.
• Its association with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is debated.
• Radiological imaging plays a key role in diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of MP in patients with NHL.
• To compare MP prevalence in NHL patients versus a control group.
• To determine if MP is associated with NHL.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of CT and PET-CT scans from 166 NHL patients and 332 controls.
• Diagnosis of MP based on radiological signs and absence of FDG-uptake.
• Exclusion of mesenteric involvement by lymphoma.

Main Results:

• MP prevalence was 1.8% in NHL patients and 2.1% in controls (p=0.556).
• No significant difference in MP prevalence between the groups.
• Mesenteric changes attributed to lymphoma occurred in 16.2% of NHL patients.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of MP in NHL patients is similar to the general population.
• This study does not support an association between MP and NHL.
• MP diagnosis requires careful differentiation from lymphoma involvement of the mesentery.