Mesenteric Lymphadenitis

Mesenteric lymphadenitis is an inflammation of lymph nodes. The lymph nodes that become inflamed are in a membrane that attaches the intestine to the abdominal wall. These lymph nodes are among the hundreds that help your body fight disease. They trap and destroy microscopic "invaders" like viruses or bacteria. These lymph nodes are among the hundreds that help your body fight disease. They trap and destroy microscopic "invaders" like viruses or bacteria. Mesenteric lymphadenitis often causes abdominal pain. It is most common in children and teens.

Mesenteric Lymphadenitis Causes:
Your lymph nodes play a vital role in your body's ability to fight off illness. They're scattered throughout your body to trap and destroy viruses, bacteria and other harmful organisms. In the process, the nodes closest to the infection can become sore and swollen for instance; the lymph nodes in your neck may swell when you have a sore throat. Other nodes that commonly swell are located under your chin and in your armpits and groin. Although less well known, you also have lymph nodes in the mesentery the thin tissue that attaches your intestine to the back of your abdominal wall. The most common cause of swollen mesenteric nodes is a viral infection, such as gastroenteritis commonly but incorrectly known as stomach flu. Some children develop an upper respiratory infection before or during a bout of mesenteric lymphadenitis, and experts speculate that there may be a link between the two.

Signs and symptoms of mesenteric lymphadenitis may include: Abdominal pain, often centered on the lower, right side, but the pain can sometimes be more widespread General abdominal tenderness, Fever. Depending on what's causing the ailment, other signs and symptoms may include: Diarrhea, Nausea and vomiting, general feeling of being unwell (malaise). In some cases, swollen lymph nodes are found on imaging tests for another problem. Mesenteric lymphadenitis that doesn't cause symptoms may need further evaluation.
Diagnosis: This disease can be diagnosed by several tests.
• Take your child's medical history: In addition to gathering details about your child's current signs and symptoms, your doctor likely will ask about any other medical conditions for which your child has been treated.
• Request laboratory tests: Certain blood tests can help determine whether your child has an infection and what type of infection it is.
• Order imaging studies: A computerized tomography (CT) scan of your child's abdomen can help differentiate between appendicitis and mesenteric lymphadenitis. Abdominal ultrasound also may be used.
Treatment: Mild, uncomplicated cases of mesenteric lymphadenitis and those caused by a virus usually go away on their own. Medications used to treat mesenteric lymphadenitis may include:
• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and fever reducers may help relieve discomfort. However, avoid giving aspirin as this increases the risk of Reye's syndrome in children.
• Antibiotics may be prescribed for a moderate to severe bacterial infection. For the pain and fever of mesenteric lymphadenitis, have your child:
• Get plenty of rest. Adequate rest can help your child recover.
• Drink fluids. Liquids help prevent dehydration from fever, vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Apply moist heat. A warm moist washcloth applied to the abdomen can help ease discomfort.

India retrospectively reviewed reports of examinations and medical records of 100 patients (51 boys, 49 girls; mean age, 23.0 ± 12.1 months) who underwent abdominal US for clinically suspected intussusception. Each US study was assessed for the presence or absence of intussusception and for a possible alternative diagnosis in cases interpreted as negative for intussusception. Thirty-seven patients had US findings consistent with intussusception, which was confirmed by air enema. In seven patients, US studies were normal. Alternative diagnoses were identified by US for each of the remaining 56 patients, including ileocolitis (n = 20), terminal ileitis (n = 18), mesenteric lymphadenitis (n = 13), choledochal cyst (n = 1), accessory spleen torsion (n = 1), small bowel ileus (n = 1), midgut volvulus with bowel ischemia (n = 1), and hydronephrosis (n = 1) With the high sensitivity and specificity of this study we conclude that US is valuable in detecting intussusception and finding the alternative diagnosis.