M Lymphadenitis: Meaning, Diagnosis and Overview

Mesenteric lymphadenitis also known as mesenteric adenitis refers to a condition in which the lymph nodes (tissues that help your body fight off illness) in the mesentery of the abdomen become inflamed. The mesentery is the tissue that connects the intestines to the internal lining of the abdominal wall.

Mesenteric lymphadenitis usually results from an intestinal infection. This often causes abdominal pain. It is most common in children and teens.

Mesenteric lymphadenitis also known as mesenteric adenitis refers to a condition in which the lymph nodes (tissues that help your body fight off illness) in the mesentery of the abdomen become inflamed. These lymph nodes are among the hundreds that help your body fight disease. They trap and destroy microscopic “invaders” like viruses or bacteria. The mesentery is the tissue that connects the intestines to the internal lining of the abdominal wall.

One shall meet doctor if abdominal pain persists for more than four hours, High fever, Fatigue or lack of energy and Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea appears.

Mesenteric lymphadenitis usually goes away on its own and rarely causes complications. But if swollen lymph nodes are caused by a serious bacterial infection that is not treated, the bacteria could spread to your bloodstream, causing a potentially life-threatening infection (sepsis).

Usually, medical management consisting of antibiotics or iv fluids is the empirical treatment and rarely the surgery is required. Surgery is usually indicated in suppuration and/or abscess, with signs of peritonitis, or if acute appendicitis cannot be excluded with certainty. At laparotomy, the diagnosis is generally clear. An appendectomy should be performed in view of the tendency for recurrence of lymphadenitis and the difficulty in differentiating adenitis from appendicitis.