Evaluation of mesenteric panniculitis with computed tomography: benign condition or paraneoplastic syndrome?

Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and association of mesenteric panniculitis (MP) with other diseases and the clinicoradiological features of MP, and to examine computed tomography findings to estimate the presence of malignancy in patients with MP. Materials and methods: Between September 2012 and August 2016, we used a keyword search to identify patients diagnosed with MP. Associated diseases and malignancies of patients were recorded. Cut-off values and diagnostic efficiencies of total MP scores and short and long diameters of the greatest lymph nodes were determined.

Results

Out of 22,033 patients, 309 were determined to have MP (prevalence 1.40%); 57.9% of these patients had a malignancy and 42.1% did not have a malignancy. The mean total MP scores and diameters of the greatest lymph nodes were significantly higher in the patients with a malignancy (P < 0.001). AUCs were 0.728, 0.879, and 0.767 for the short diameter, long diameter, and total score, respectively. The diagnostic efficiencies of the long diameter of the greatest lymph nodes were significantly higher than the total MP scores and the short diameter of the greatest nodes.

Conclusion

MP is thought to be associated with abdominal and other system malignancies so MP may be a paraneoplastic syndrome in some patients.