Heterotopic mesenteric ossification: a report of two cases

Heterotopic mesenteric ossification (HMO) is abnormal bone formation in tissues which usually do not undergo ossification. There are approximately 75 cases reported worldwide. We present two cases of HMO. The first case is that of a 39-year-old man who presented with abdominal pain and a computerized tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed an apple core lesion resulting in small bowel obstruction. The second case is that of a 36-year-old woman who presented 2 months after undergoing robotic gastric sleeve resection complaining of weakness and emesis. An esophagogram revealed kinking at the distal esophagus. Surgical resection was performed in both, yielding the diagnosis of HMO. There are various theories as to the pathophysiology of HMO, but no clearly defined mechanism has been established. Management should be conservative whenever possible to prevent further ossification with subsequent surgical intervention.