Exploring Mesenteric Panniculitis: Etiology, Clinical Features, and Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the adipose tissue of the mesentery. Also known as mesenteric lipogranulomatosis or mesenteric retraction syndrome, this condition presents with the formation of inflammatory nodules in the mesentery, composed of adipose tissue, inflammatory cells, fibrosis and vascular changes. Although the exact etiology of mesenteric panniculitis is not yet fully understood, a relationship with abnormal immune responses, genetic predisposition, autoimmune diseases and previous infections has been suggested. In addition, a possible association with systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and systemic lupus erythematosus has been raised. Patients with mesenteric panniculitis may present with a variety of symptoms, including chronic and diffuse abdominal pain, tenderness in the affected area, weight loss, nausea, vomiting and changes in bowel patterns. In more severe cases, inflammatory nodules may compress adjacent structures, which can lead to complications such as intestinal obstruction or mesenteric ischemia.