Idiopathic sclerosing mesenteritis in paediatrics: Report of a successfully treated case and a review of literature

Abstract

A 6 year old female with symptoms of small bowel obstruction underwent an exploratory laparotomy which revealed widespread evidence of inflammatory fibrotic adhesions involving the jejunal mesentery. In view of persistent growth failure, chronic anaemia, elevated acute phase reactants and imaging evidence of a diffuse progressive inflammatory process, the child was treated with corticosteroids and methotrexate with complete response. The literature on juvenile idiopathic sclerosing mesenteritis has been reviewed.

Figure 1

A (Pre treatment) Radiological findings demonstrating altered attenuation of mesentery and diffuse lymphadenopathy (white arrows). B (Post treatment) Resolution of lymphadenopathy.

Figure 2

Response to treatment of patients ESR and Haemoglobin in month since the start of treatment.