Mesenteric adentitis

Question 1

What is mesenteric adenitis?

Answer 1

Inflammation of lymph nodes in the abdominal mesentery
- Can mimic appendicitis

Question 2

Describe the epidemiology of mesenteric adenitis

Answer 2

• Mainly affects children and teenagers

Question 3

What causes mesenteric adenitis?

Answer 3

Most common cause is a recent viral intestinal infection (eg. gastroenteritis) → KEY IN HX

Question 4

What are the presenting symptoms/ signs of mesenteric adenitis?

Answer 4

1. Abdominal Pain → usually in RLQ, but may be more widespread
2. General abdominal tenderness
3. Fever
4. Mesenteric lymph node enlargement
5. May also have Diarrhoea + N&V depending on cause

Question 5

What investigations are used to diagnose/ monitor mesenteric adenitis?

Answer 5

Abdominal Ultrasound

Bloods

Question 6

How is mesenteric adenitis managed?

Answer 6

1. Often self-limiting and doesn’t require treatment
2. For treatment of fever and pain, give paracetamol or ibruprofen
3. Drink lots of fluids
4. Antibiotics → if caused by bacterial infection