[Disseminated fibromatosis of the mesenterium]

A case report is given of a man, who died at the age of 56. At post mortem examination the following was found: Postnecrotic cirrhosis of the liver, esophageal varicosis, ascites as well as multiple white nodes located in the serosal layer of the small intestine and the mesenterium. Histological examination showed fibromatosis. Differential diagnosis is discussed including other connective tissue tumors, Whipple's disease, peritoneal tuberculosis, Gardner syndrome, solitary fibromatosis, diffuse peritoneal fibromatosis and sclerosing peritonitis. Similarity of the findings reported with the disease entity of sclerosing mesenteritis is discussed as well as a possible causal relationship between liver cirrhosis and fibromatosis.