Sclerosing mesenteritis affecting the small and the large intestine in a male patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a case presentation and review of the literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare disease resembling a mesenteric tumour. We present here a case of sclerosing mesenteritis that affected both the large and the small intestine of the patient. Therapeutic and diagnostic issues are discussed.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 62-year-old man with a history of non-Hodgkin lymphoma presented with fatigue, a palpable tender abdominal mass and clinical signs of progressing intestinal obstruction. The preoperative evaluation failed to prove recurrence of the lymphoma or any other definite diagnosis. A laparotomy was performed through a midline incision. The mesentery resembled a tumour-like thickened and fibrotic mass. Abundant, rigid intestinal loop adhesions were observed. Diffuse fibrotic infiltration of the ileum and of the sigmoid colon, which obviously affected the intestinal vascular supply, were identified. A right colectomy and partial sigmoidectomy were performed. Pathological evaluation revealed extensive myofibroblastic reaction of the mesentery with accompanying loci of fat necrosis and areas of inflammation. A diffuse fibrotic infiltration that focally showed a ground-glass appearance was observed. The post-operative course was complicated by respiratory insufficiency and infections and the patient died 2 months after the operation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Sclerosing mesenteritis that affects both the small and the large intestine is extremely rare. The disease is characterized by myofibroblastic reaction, fat necrosis and diffuse fibrosis of the mesentery. Pathological confirmation may be required for definite diagnosis. If the disease is characterized by severe and diffuse fibrosis, then the application of surgical therapy may be problematic.</p

Paniculite mesentérica: aspectos na tomografia computadorizada Mesenteric panniculitis: computed tomography aspects

A paniculite mesentérica é um processo inflamatório que constitui o segundo estádio de uma doença rara e progressiva que envolve o tecido adiposo do mesentério. Entre os métodos radiológicos utilizados no diagnóstico estão os estudos baritados, a ultra-sonografia, a tomografia computadorizada e a ressonância magnética do abdome. A tomografia computadorizada tem importância tanto no diagnóstico e avaliação da extensão da doença quanto no planejamento do tratamento, e os aspectos tomográficos variam de acordo com o estádio da doença e se o componente predominante é inflamatório ou fibroso, tendo boa correlação com os achados da anatomopatologia. Os autores estudaram dez casos de paniculite mesentérica submetidos a tomografia computadorizada, sendo que em um deles foi realizada ressonância magnética. Em todos os casos o aspecto tomográfico era o de formação expansiva heterogênea, com densidade predominantemente adiposa, apresentando vasos ectasiados e bandas lineares com densidade de partes moles de permeio, localizada no mesentério.<br>Mesenteric panniculitis is an inflammatory process that represents the second stage of a rare progressive disease involving the adipose tissue of the mesentery. Imaging methods used in the diagnosis of mesenteric panniculitis include barium studies, ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Computed tomography is important for both, diagnosis and evaluation of the extension of the disease and treatment monitoring. Computed tomography findings may vary according to the stage of the disease and the amount of inflammatory material or fibrosis. There is also good correlation between the computed tomography and anatomical pathology findings. The authors studied 10 patients with mesenteric panniculitis submitted to computed tomography. Magnetic resonance imaging was also performed in one patient. In all patients, computed tomography revealed a heterogeneous mass in the mesentery with density of fat, interspersed with areas of soft tissue density and dilated vessels