Mesenteric Panniculitis – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Guide
Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare inflammatory condition affecting the fat tissue (mesentery) of the abdomen.
It causes swelling, inflammation, and sometimes scarring of the mesenteric fat, which can lead to abdominal pain and digestive disturbances.
It is benign (non-cancerous) but often confused with other abdominal problems. Early diagnosis helps avoid unnecessary anxiety and ensures proper treatment.
✅ What Exactly Is Mesenteric Panniculitis?
The mesentery is a fold of tissue that attaches the intestines to the abdominal wall and supplies blood, lymph, and nerves.
In mesenteric panniculitis:
- The fat tissue becomes inflamed
- Lymph nodes may enlarge
- In advanced cases, scar tissue may form (sclerosing mesenteritis)
This condition is usually detected incidentally during ultrasound or CT scan.
🔍 Possible Causes
Although the exact cause is not fully known, common associations include:
- Prior abdominal surgery
- Abdominal trauma
- Autoimmune disorders
- Infections
- Ischemia (reduced blood flow)
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Sometimes no identifiable cause
⚠️ Common Symptoms
Some patients remain symptom-free, while others may experience:
- Persistent or intermittent abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal discomfort after meals
In more complicated cases:
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue
- Changes in bowel habits
🩺 Diagnosis
Key tests used to identify mesenteric panniculitis:
✔ Ultrasound Abdomen
May show mesenteric fat changes and lymph nodes.
✔ CT Scan Abdomen (Most Accurate)
Shows hallmark signs such as:
- Increased mesenteric fat density
- Lymph node enlargement
- Fat-ring sign
- Soft-tissue infiltration
✔ Blood Tests
- CBC
- ESR
- CRP
To check for inflammation.
🧪 Treatment Options
Most cases do not require aggressive treatment.
✔ 1. Observation & Follow-up
If symptoms are mild or absent.
✔ 2. Medications
Used when symptoms are significant:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroids
- Immunosuppressants (rarely)
- Pain relievers
- Antibiotics (if infection suspected)
✔ 3. Treating the Associated Condition
Such as autoimmune disorders or infections.
✔ 4. Surgery
Very rare — only if complications like obstruction arise.
🥗 Diet & Lifestyle Tips
- Eat smaller, frequent meals
- Avoid heavy, oily, spicy food
- Stay hydrated
- Include fiber-rich foods
- Manage stress
- Quit smoking
- Maintain healthy weight
🚨 When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- High fever
- Sudden weight loss
- Signs of bowel obstruction
🧑⚕️ Why Consult Dr. Ankur Bhanushali in Thane West?
- Expertise in abdominal imaging interpretation
- Accurate differentiation from serious conditions
- Personalized treatment plan
- Long-term monitoring
- Complete gastrointestinal & surgical care
📞 Book Consultation in Thane West (FULL ADDRESS BELOW)
🏥 Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic
Shop No 4, Laxmi Krupa, Edulji Road, Charai, Thane West – 400602, Maharashtra
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
📍 Google Maps (Full Link):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmmGNbgFyhGcqfvV6
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575038219095
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ankur_surgicalclinic/
🏥 Aayush Multispecialty Hospital
Dr. Ankur Bhanushali – General & Laparoscopic Surgeon
1st Floor, Marigold Apartment, Almeda Road, Panch Pakhdi, Thane West – 400602, Maharashtra
🌐 https://drankurbhanushali.com
📍 Google Maps (Full Link):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Msc7YZqVkV9mQMQ7
Email: dr.ankur.bhanushali@gmail.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573840205822
IG: https://www.instagram.com/surgeon_dr_ankur_bhanushali
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ankur-bhanushali-b85aab2a6/
📞 +91 86910 33033
🌐 Online Booking: https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
