Overview
Sclerosing mesenteritis, also called mesenteric panniculitis, occurs when the tissue (mesentery) that holds the small intestines in place becomes inflamed and forms scar tissue. Sclerosing mesenteritis is rare, and it's not clear what causes it.
Sclerosing mesenteritis can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea and fever. But some people experience no signs and symptoms and may never need treatment.
In rare cases, scar tissue formed by sclerosing mesenteritis can block food from moving through your digestive tract. In this case, you may need surgery.
Symptoms
Symptoms of sclerosing mesenteritis include pain in your belly, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, and fever. Sometimes people don't have any symptoms.
Causes
The cause of sclerosing mesenteritis is not known.
Sclerosing mesenteritis care at Mayo Clinic
Dec. 20, 2018
References
- Friedman LS. Sclerosing mesenteritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Aug. 31, 2016.
- Akram S, et al. Sclerosing mesenteritis: Clinical features, treatment and outcome in 92 patients. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2007;5:589.
- Brown AY. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 25, 2016.
- Vlachos K, et al. Sclerosing mesenteritis: Diverse clinical presentations and dissimilar treatment options. A case series and review of the literature. International Archives of Medicine. 2011;4:17.
- Feldman M, et al. Surgical peritonitis and other diseases of the peritoneum, mesentery, omentum, and diaphragm. In: Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2016. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 31, 2016.
- U.S. News best hospitals 2016-2017. U.S. News & World Report. http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/mn/mayo-clinic-6610451/gastroenterology-and-gi-surgery. Accessed Sept. 6, 2016.
- Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. Sept. 7, 2016.