# Idiopathic Isolated Mesenteric Panniculitis: A Case Report of a Rare Adipose Tissue Disease

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare condition called idiopathic isolated mesenteric panniculitis, highlighting its symptoms and diagnostic process.

## Contribution

The paper presents a rare case of idiopathic isolated mesenteric panniculitis and emphasizes its diagnostic challenges.

## Key findings

- The patient's symptoms and CT findings led to the diagnosis of mesenteric panniculitis.
- Diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed the suspected condition.
- The case underscores the importance of considering this rare disease in abdominal pain differential diagnosis.

## Abstract

Mesenteric panniculitis belongs to a spectrum of rare diseases affecting the fatty tissue of the mesentery. It is characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis of the mesenteric adipose tissue of the bowel. Patients typically present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, bloating, and weight loss. Computed tomography (CT) is commonly used for diagnosis in most cases. We present a case of a 42-year-old male who experienced a significant escalation of abdominal pain over a 24-hour period. Despite seeking medical care at multiple hospitals and being prescribed analgesics, his pain remained unrelieved. Based on CT findings and the worsening pain, mesenteric panniculitis was suspected, leading to a diagnostic laparoscopy that confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was treated for idiopathic isolated mesenteric panniculitis during his hospital stay and was subsequently discharged. This article emphasizes the importance of considering mesenteric panniculitis as a possible differential diagnosis in patients with nonspecific abdominal pain, to avoid overlooking this condition.