Mesenteric panniculitis: review of the leterature and presentation of cases.

Sixty-two cases of mesenteric panniculitis collected from the literature and six cases treated by the authors are reviewed. Symptomatology, pathology, treatment, and outcome of this disorder are discussed. It seems that mesenteric panniculitis is a well established clinical entity of unknown etiology, with a benign course and favourable outcome. Radical surgical treatment is not advised. The sole surgical intervention advocated would be deviation of the gastrointestinal tract in patients with symptoms of obstruction.