Case Report
Copyright ©2009 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Aug 14, 2009; 15(30): 3827-3830
Published online Aug 14, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.3827
Mesenteric panniculitis: Various presentations and treatment regimens
Iyad Issa, Hassan Baydoun
Iyad Issa, Hassan Baydoun, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Rafik Hariri University Hospital, Beirut 2034-7304, Lebanon
Author contributions: Issa I and Baydoun H both contributed equally to the paper.
Correspondence to: Dr. Iyad Issa, Head of Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Rafik Hariri University Hospital, Beirut 2034-7304, Lebanon. iyadissa71@gmail.com
Telephone: +961-3260908
Fax: +961-1737377
Received: March 14, 2009
Revised: June 24, 2009
Accepted: July 1, 2009
Published online: August 14, 2009
Abstract

Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare, benign and chronic fibrosing inflammatory disease that affects the adipose tissue of the mesentery of the small intestine and colon. The specific etiology of the disease is unknown. The diagnosis is suggested by computed tomography and is usually confirmed by surgical biopsies. Treatment is empirical and based on a few selected drugs. Surgical resection is sometimes attempted for definitive therapy, although the surgical approach is often limited. We report two cases of mesenteric panniculitis with two different presentations and subsequently varying treatment regimens. Adequate response was obtained in both patients. We present details of these cases as well as a literature review to compare various presentations, etiologies and potential treatment modalities.

Keywords: Mesentery; Panniculitis; Colon; Computed tomography; Fibrosis; Inflammation