title: Mesenteric lymph node cavitation syndrome.
abstract: The mesenteric lymph node cavitation syndrome consists of central necrosis of mesenteric lymph nodes and may occur with either celiac disease or a sprue-like intestinal disease that fails to respond to a gluten-free diet. Splenic hypofunction may also be present. The cause is not known but its development during the clinical course of celiac disease is usually indicative of a poor prognosis for the intestinal disorder, a potential for significant complications including sepsis and malignancy, particularly T-cell lymphoma, and significant mortality. Modern abdominal imaging modalities may permit earlier detection in celiac disease so that earlier diagnosis and improved understanding of its pathogenesis may result.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology), University of British Columbia Hospital, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1W5, Canada. hugfree@shaw.ca
authors.forename: Hugh James
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Freeman
mesh_terms: D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000473:pathology; D055050:Diet, Gluten-Free; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology*; D008643:Mesentery / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D009336:Necrosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D013577:Syndrome