title: Acute Nonspecific Mesenteric Lymphadenitis: More Than "No Need for Surgery".
abstract: Acute nonspecific, or primary, mesenteric lymphadenitis is a self-limiting inflammatory condition affecting the mesenteric lymph nodes, whose presentation mimics appendicitis or intussusception. It typically occurs in children, adolescents, and young adults. White blood count and C-reactive protein are of limited usefulness in distinguishing between patients with and without mesenteric lymphadenitis. Ultrasonography, the mainstay of diagnosis, discloses 3 or more mesenteric lymph nodes with a short-axis diameter of 8 mm or more without any identifiable underlying inflammatory process. Once the diagnosis is established, supportive care including hydration and pain medication is advised. Furthermore, it is crucial to reassure patients and families by explaining the condition and stating that affected patients recover completely without residuals within 2-4 weeks.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Department of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Rossana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Helbling
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Department of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Conficconi
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Ospedale Regionale Bellinzona e Valli, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wyttenbach
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Department of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Cecilia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Benetti
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Department of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland; University Children's Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Giacomo D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Simonetti
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Department of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Mario G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Bianchetti
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Department of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Flurim
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hamitaga
authors.affiliation: University Children's Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Switzerland; Pediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France.
authors.forename: Sebastiano A G
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-8391-5462
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Lava
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Emergency Department, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Emilio F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Fossali
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Emergency Department, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Pediatric Unit, Università degli Studi di Milano, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Gregorio P
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-3829-4254
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Milani
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001064:Appendicitis; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000737:chemistry; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008640:Mesenteric Lymphadenitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000082:Acetaminophen; D002097:C-Reactive Protein