Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare inflammatory condition affecting the fatty tissue of the mesentery in the abdomen. While its exact cause remains unclear, several potential contributing factors have been identified:

🧬 Possible Causes of Mesenteric Panniculitis
Idiopathic Inflammation

In many cases, the inflammation appears spontaneously without a known trigger.

Autoimmune Disorders

The immune system may mistakenly attack mesenteric tissue, leading to chronic inflammation.

Abdominal Surgery or Trauma

Prior surgeries or injuries to the abdomen have been linked to the development of this condition.

Infections

Chronic infections such as tuberculosis, typhoid fever, cholera, syphilis, and Whipple’s disease have been associated with mesenteric panniculitis.

Cancer Associations

Some studies suggest a link between mesenteric panniculitis and cancers like kidney or prostate cancer. About 28% of patients with the condition had a history of these cancers.

Medications and Vascular Issues

Certain medications and vascular problems may also contribute, though evidence is limited.

🧠 Disease Progression
Mesenteric panniculitis can evolve through stages:

Mesenteric Lipodystrophy – Fat tissue is replaced by immune cells.

Mesenteric Panniculitis – Intense inflammation occurs.

Retractile Mesenteritis – Scar tissue forms, potentially causing complications.