Mesenteric lipodystrophy - An unusual intraabdominal mass.

INTRODUCTION

We report the case of a 21 year old female with underlying facial lipodystrophy who presented with left lower abdominal pain, weight gain and altered bowel habit.

PRESENTATION OF CASE: Subsequent investigation showed a large (21cm×18cm×8cm) intraabdominal mass. At laparotomy, it was completely excised and was seen to arise from the transverse mesocolon and following histology revealed it to be mesenteric lipodystrophy.

DISCUSSION: Mesenteric lipodystrophy is a rare clinical entity, and part of a spectrum of disorders of sclerosing mesenteritis. This is the first reported case in a patient with pre-existing facial lipodystrophy.

CONCLUSION

Herein we describe a case of mesenteric lipodystrophy, discuss its management and review of the literature.