Sclerosing Mesenteritis
Overview
The mesentery is a thin layer of tissue that connects the intestines to the belly wall. It's like a strong, flexible strap that keeps the intestines in their proper position.
Sclerosing mesenteritis is a problem where this connecting tissue, the mesentery, gets inflamed. This inflammation causes the tissue to become thickened and scarred. Sometimes, it's also called mesenteric panniculitis. This condition isn't common, and doctors don't fully understand what causes it.
When someone has sclerosing mesenteritis, they might experience various symptoms. These can include stomach pain, feeling sick to your stomach (vomiting), a swollen belly (bloating), loose bowel movements (diarrhea), and even a fever. However, some people with this condition don't have any noticeable symptoms at all. If this happens, treatment might not be necessary.
In unusual cases, the scar tissue created by sclerosing mesenteritis can block the passage of food through the digestive system. This blockage can be serious and might require surgery to fix it.
Symptoms
Sclerosing mesenteritis can cause several digestive issues. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, feeling full or bloated, changes in bowel habits like diarrhea, and sometimes a fever. However, some people with this condition don't experience any noticeable symptoms at all.
Causes
The reason why sclerosing mesenteritis happens is unknown. Doctors don't understand what causes this condition. There's no single, clear explanation for why some people develop this disease, and more research is needed to figure out the factors involved.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing sclerosing mesenteritis involves several steps. Doctors use a combination of physical exams, imaging tests, and biopsies to determine if someone has this condition.
Physical Exam: A doctor will examine your abdomen, feeling for any lumps or unusual growths. Sclerosing mesenteritis sometimes creates a noticeable lump, or mass, in the upper abdomen that can be detected during this physical exam.
Imaging Tests: Tests like CT (computed tomography) scans or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans of the abdomen can help visualize the area and potentially show signs of sclerosing mesenteritis. These scans create detailed images of the organs and tissues, which can reveal characteristic patterns associated with the disease.
Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure where a small tissue sample is removed for examination under a microscope. A biopsy is often necessary to definitively diagnose sclerosing mesenteritis. This is because the symptoms can mimic other conditions, including certain cancers like lymphoma or carcinoid tumors. The biopsy helps rule out these other possibilities and confirm the diagnosis of sclerosing mesenteritis. The tissue sample can be collected either during surgery or by inserting a long, thin needle through the skin. This needle biopsy is a less invasive way to obtain the tissue sample.
Important Note: A biopsy is critical before starting any treatment. It helps ensure the correct diagnosis and allows doctors to rule out other potential conditions that could require different treatments.
Mayo Clinic Care: Mayo Clinic has experienced specialists who can provide comprehensive care for individuals dealing with sclerosing mesenteritis. They can guide you through each step of the diagnostic process and help develop a personalized treatment plan.
Treatment
Sclerosing mesenteritis is a condition where scar tissue forms in the membrane connecting your intestines to your abdomen. Sometimes, you might be diagnosed with this while being treated for something else. If you aren't having any problems from the scar tissue, you might not need any treatment at all. Instead, your doctor might suggest occasional scans to keep an eye on the condition.
However, if you start feeling symptoms like pain, bloating, or trouble digesting food, you can discuss treatment options with your doctor.
Treatment for sclerosing mesenteritis focuses on controlling the inflammation caused by the scar tissue. Several medications can be used:
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Corticosteroids: These are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs, like prednisone. They help reduce swelling, but they're often used with other medications. Because of possible side effects, they're usually only taken for a short time – typically 3 to 4 months.
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Hormone therapy: Some hormones, like tamoxifen (Soltamox), can help slow the growth of the scar tissue. It's often combined with corticosteroids or other medications and can sometimes be used long-term. However, tamoxifen can increase the risk of blood clots, so it's usually combined with a daily aspirin to reduce this risk. Another hormone, progesterone (Prometrium), is sometimes used instead of tamoxifen, but it may have more significant side effects.
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Other medications: There are other medications that doctors might prescribe, including azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan), colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare), cyclophosphamide, and thalidomide (Thalomid). These are used in specific situations and have their own potential side effects. Your doctor will help you understand the best choices for your individual situation.
In some cases, surgery might be necessary if the scar tissue is blocking the flow of food through your digestive system. This would be a last resort if other treatments are not effective.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.