Sclerosing mesenteritis with occult ileal perforation: report of a case simulating extensive intra-abdominal malignancy.
Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare condition that is characterized by fibrosis affecting mainly small-bowel mesentery, which in extensive cases may mimic advanced intra-abdominal malignancy. Establishing the diagnosis in such cases is a clinical and histopathologic challenge. We report the successful management of a case of extensive sclerosing mesenteritis with occult ileal perforation, which was possibly the triggering cause. Severe complications occurred as a result of both the disease itself and its surgical treatment. Despite the complex course and life-threatening complications, a good prognosis can be expected. Although occasional recovery has been attributed to spontaneous regression and response to immunosuppressive therapy, a search for, and full eradication of, possible triggering focus is of paramount importance.
Mathew
John
J
Department of Surgery, Trafford General Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom. mathewjohn9@aol.com
McKenna
Frank
F
Mason
John
J
Haboubi
N Y
NY
Borghol
Mahdy
M
D000008:Abdominal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007077:Ileal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015436:Panniculitis, Peritoneal / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*