Upper and Lower Endoscopic Findings in Mesenteric Panniculitis Patients: A Case-Control Study

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) natural history and prognosis are poorly understood.
• Colonoscopy is frequently performed for MP, but findings are unreported.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy findings and outcomes in MP patients require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe upper and lower GI endoscopy findings in MP patients.
• To compare these findings with matched controls.
• To investigate clinical outcomes, including malignancy incidence and mortality.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case-control study of 187 MP patients diagnosed via CT criteria (2005-2019).
• MP patients compared to controls without MP.
• Exclusion of patients with current malignancy, significant intra-abdominal morbidity, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in colonoscopy or gastroscopy findings between MP patients and controls.
• Malignancy diagnosed in 4 MP patients; none were colon cancer.
• Mortality rate in MP group (3.2%) was not significantly different from controls.

Conclusions:

• Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) on CT is not linked to abnormal endoscopy findings or future colon cancer.
• MP does not significantly impact patient mortality.
• Follow-up imaging for MP may be unnecessary given stable disease observed on repeat CT.