Conservative Management of Mesenteric Panniculitis in a Remote Island

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Radiology

Background:

• Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) is a rare fibroinflammatory disorder affecting the mesentery.
• Its etiology and management remain incompletely understood, with limited evidence available.

Observation:

• A 68-year-old male was incidentally diagnosed with MP during evaluation for a coeliac artery aneurysm.
• The patient remained asymptomatic four years post-diagnosis.

Findings:

• The patient opted against a biopsy due to the incidental nature of the finding and his asymptomatic status.
• Tumor markers were within normal limits, supporting a conservative management approach.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of incidental findings in mesenteric panniculitis.
• Annual follow-up with CT scans and tumor markers is a viable strategy for asymptomatic MP patients.