Mesenteric panniculitis: sonographic findings.

BACKGROUND

Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) is a relatively rare disease, and sonographic (US) and color Doppler findings have been infrequently reported.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical data and US and Doppler results of three cases of MP to determine the role and limitations of these techniques.

RESULTS

The sole presenting clinical sign was a soft mass. On US the lesion was imaged as a poorly margined echogenic mass with hypoechoic areas. Color Doppler US visualized the nondeviated mesenteric vessels within the mass, which enabled us to perform a safe guided biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

US is useful as an initial diagnostic tool, but its results must be interpreted carefully. Color Doppler US is very useful in demonstrating fine vessels and helps in performing a safe needle biopsy.