Case Report
Copyright ©2007 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Oct 28, 2007; 13(40): 5394-5396
Published online Oct 28, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i40.5394
Occasional finding of mesenteric lipodystrophy during laparoscopy: A difficult diagnosis
Nereo Vettoretto, Domenico Roberto Diana, Roberto Poiatti, Armando Matteucci, Caterina Chioda, Maurizio Giovanetti
Nereo Vettoretto, Domenico Roberto Diana, Roberto Poiatti, Maurizio Giovanetti, Department of General and Vascular Surgery, M Mellini Hospital, Chiari (BS) 25032, Italy
Armando Matteucci, Surgical Clinic, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
Caterina Chioda, Department of Pathology, M Mellini Hospital, Chiari (BS) 25032, Italy
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Nereo Vettoretto, MD, General and Vascular Surgery, Az. Osp. M. Mellini, V.le Mazzini 4, Chiari (BS) 25032, Italy. nereovet@hotmail.com
Telephone: +39-30-7102799 Fax: +39-30-7102478
Received: March 28, 2007
Revised: August 17, 2007
Accepted: August 24, 2007
Published online: October 28, 2007
Abstract

Mesenteric lipodystrophy is a rare pathological condition affecting the mesentery. Its initial presentation is typically asymptomatic. Pathological characteristics are unspecific, and generally attributed to inflammation, unless the diagnosis is suspected. Laparoscopy done for other reasons has been, as in this case, unsuccessful in providing evidence for the correct diagnosis, thus requiring laparotomy due to lack of diagnostic tissue. After 6 mo no further medical therapy is required, as the patient remains asymptomatic. Discussion of this case and a brief review of the literature are presented in the following paragraphs.

Keywords: Mesenteritis, Lypodystrophy, Laparoscopy, Panniculitis, Sclerosing mesenteritis