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.

Mesenteric lymphadenitis disease statistics in Russia: In 2008 this disease created drastic impact on Russia. Russia analyzing accompanying clinical symptoms, it was found, that abdominal pain was the most dominant complaint in children with mesenteric lymphadenopathy; it was observed in 63 children (49.6%). In 33 (26%) of them the pain was the sole complaint, while in the rest vomiting and fever were present. 8 children (6.3%) with generalized lymphadenopathy were diagnosed. Ultrasonographic evaluation demonstrated that numerous enlarged lymph nodes were present the most frequently, in 65 (51.2%), less numerous, in 42 (33.1%), while sparse lymph nodes were seen only in 20 (15.7%) children. In 85 patients (66.9%) long axis of the lymph nodes reached min. 10 mm, in 39 (30.1%) was smaller than 10 mm, in 3 (2.4%) exceed 20 mm. Conglomerates of lymph nodes were described in 9 (7.1%) patients with various diagnosis (acute diarrhea - 3 children, ulcerative colitis - 3 children, celiac disease, cytomegaly, lambliosis). Tendency to invagination was observed in 5 (3.9%) children.