Published online Nov 27, 2016. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v8.i11.761
Peer-review started: June 26, 2016
First decision: August 5, 2016
Revised: August 19, 2016
Accepted: September 7, 2016
Article in press: September 8, 2016
Published online: November 27, 2016
Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare pathology with only a few described cases in the literature. The etiology is unclear; however, several potential triggers, including abdominal surgery and abdominal trauma, have been discussed. The pathology includes a benign acute or chronic inflammatory process affecting the adipose tissue of the mesenterium. Despite it being a rare disease, sclerosing mesenteritis is an important differential diagnosis in patients after abdominal surgery or patients presenting spontaneously with signs of acute inflammation and abdominal pain. We present here three cases with sclerosing mesenteritis. In two cases, sclerosing mesenteritis occurred postoperatively after abdominal surgery. One patient was treated because of abdominal pain and specific radiological signs revealing spontaneous manifestation of sclerosing mesenteritis. So far there are no distinct treatment algorithms, so the patients were treated differently, including steroids, antibiotics and watchful waiting. In addition, we reviewed the current literature on treatment options for this rare disease.
Core tip: Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare pathology including a benign acute or chronic inflammatory process affecting the adipose tissue of the mesenterium. The etiology is unclear; however, several potential triggers, including abdominal surgery and abdominal trauma, have been discussed. So far there is no evidence in the treatment of these patients. But, in the case of a non-resolving bowel obstruction, surgery is needed.