MESENTERIC PANNICULITIS IN THE DIFFERENTI AL-DIAGNOSIS OF ABDOMINAL-PAIN

Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare disease affecting adipose tissue of the mesentery that may result in the development of large masses in th e abdomen. Diffuse chronic or intermitent abdominal pain is the most f recuent symptom. It usually follows a benign course though surgery is sometime needed. We describe a patient with recurrent abdominal pain w ho was diagnosed of mesenteric panniculitis. An abdominal CT scan orie nted to the diagnosis and an open laparotomy and biopsy was needed for a definitive diagnosis. A brief review of the literature is added.