Related Experiment Videos
[Mesenteric panniculitis]
S Schwery1, P J Hangartner, T Vollrath
1Medizinische Klinik, Stadtspital Waid, Zürich.
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift
|June 26, 1993
Summary
Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare condition involving abdominal fat infiltration. While often benign, it can rarely progress to intestinal obstruction, necessitating medical or surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Background:
- Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare, benign inflammatory condition affecting the abdominal mesentery.
- It is characterized by infiltration of the mesentery by lipid-laden macrophages, lymphocytes, and fibrosis.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old patient presented with nonspecific abdominal symptoms and weight loss.
- Ultrasound revealed a large mass at the mesentery root, leading to a laparoscopic biopsy.
- Biopsy confirmed mesenteric panniculitis.
Findings:
- The primary histological features include foamy macrophages, lymphocytes, and fibrosis within the mesentery.
- While most cases are benign, there's a reported association with lymphoma.
- Rarely, progressive fibrosis can lead to retractile mesenteritis, causing intestinal obstruction or ischemia.
Implications:
- Most cases require no specific therapy.
- Severe or progressive disease may be treated with immunosuppressants like prednisone, azathioprine, or cyclophosphamide.
- Surgical intervention may be necessary for complications such as intestinal obstruction or ischemia.