Mesenteric Panniculitis in a Renal Transplant Patient With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) is a disease of unknown etiology, causing fibrosis of the small bowel mesentery. MP is typically diagnosed incidentally with computed tomography imaging but is occasionally associated with surgery, trauma, and cancer. The prevalence of MP varies across the literature; however, it is agreed upon to be a rare diagnosis. This case describes a 34-year-old female with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who presented with abdominal symptoms and was later found to have MP. We postulated that the patient's SLE flare and adjustment in immunosuppressive medications facilitated the development of MP. This case highlights the need for further research regarding the association of MP and autoimmune conditions such as SLE.