DOI: 10.36347/sasjs.2020.v06i07.006

Pages: 286-288

Mesenteric lymphadenitis is a self-limiting inflammatory condition affecting the mesenteric lymph nodes, whose presentation mimics appendicitis or intussusception. It typically occurs in children and adolescents. White blood count and C-reactive protein are of limited usefulness in distinguishing between patients with and without mesenteric lymphadenitis. Ultrasonography and or CT scan, the mainstay of diagnosis, discloses 3 or more mesenteric lymph nodes with a short-axis diameter of 8mm or more without any identifiable underlying inflammatory process. Once the diagnosis is established, supportive care including hydration and pain medication is advised. Furthermore, it is crucial to reassure patients and families by explaining the condition and stating that affected patients recover completely without residuals within 2–4 weeks. We report the case of a 21 years old female admitted to the surgical emergency for abdominal pain in the right iliac fossa suspecting an appendicitis which found to be an acute mesenteric lymphadenitis.