Overview
Mesentery
Mesentery
The mesentery is a fold of membrane that attaches the intestine to the abdominal wall and holds it in place.
Sclerosing mesenteritis is a condition in which tissue that holds the small intestines in place, called the mesentery, becomes inflamed and forms scar tissue. The condition also is called mesenteric panniculitis. Sclerosing mesenteritis is rare, and it's not clear what causes it.
Sclerosing mesenteritis can cause belly pain, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea and fever. But some people experience no symptoms and may never need treatment.
In rare cases, scar tissue formed by sclerosing mesenteritis can block food from moving through the digestive tract. In this case, you may need surgery.
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Symptoms
Symptoms of sclerosing mesenteritis include pain in the belly, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea and fever. Sometimes people don't have any symptoms.
Causes
The cause of sclerosing mesenteritis is not known.
Nov. 15, 2023
- Green MS, et al. Sclerosing mesenteritis: A comprehensive clinical review. Annals of Translational Medicine. 2018; doi:10.21037/atm.2018.07.01. Accessed Oct. 14, 2019.
- Danford CJ, et al. Sclerosing mesenteritis. The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2019; doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000167. Accessed Oct. 14, 2019.
- Friedman LS. Sclerosing mesenteritis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 26, 2023.
- Ami TR. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic, Aug. 8, 2023.
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