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Mesenteric Adenitis—Child

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Mesenteric Adenitis—Child

(Mesenteric Lymphadenitis)

Definition

Mesenteric adenitis is the painful swelling of lymph nodes in the abdomen. Lymph nodes are small, round glands that help fight infection. Infections sometimes make the nodes swell.

Normal Anatomy of the Intestines.

Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

http://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=28472847exh5601.jpgNormal Anatomy of the Large and Small IntestineNULLjpgNormal Anatomy of the Large and Small IntestineNULL\\filer01\Intellect\images\exh5601.jpgCopyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.17NULL2002-10-012914592847_921596279390Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Mesenteric adenitis is often caused by an infection in the stomach or intestines. Viruses are the most common cause of these infections. However, some may be due to bacteria.

Risk Factors

The risk of mesenteric adenitis is highest in children.

Symptoms

Symptoms often follow a cold. They may include:

  • Pain in the belly, often the lower, right side
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done.

Blood and urine tests will be done to look for signs of infection.

Pictures may be taken of abdomen and lymph nodes. This can be done with:

Treatment

Mesenteric adenitis is usually not serious. Symptoms go away in a few days to weeks. Treatment options may be:

  • Pain relievers
  • Antibiotics—rarely, if there is a lasting bacterial infection

Prevention

The risk of mesenteric adenitis may be lowered by:

  • Washing hands often
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Acute abdominal pain in children aged 6-11 years - approach to the patient. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/acute-abdominal-pain-in-children-aged-6-11-years-approach-to-the-patient.
  • Gross I, Siedner-Weintraub Y, et al. Characteristics of mesenteric lymphadenitis in comparison with those of acute appendicitis in children. Eur J Pediatr. 2017;176(2):199-205.
  • Mesenteric adenitis. Patient website. Available at: https://patient.info/health/mesenteric-adenitis.
  • Mesenteric adenitis. Radiopaedia website. Available at: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/mesenteric-adenitis.

Contributors

  • David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Last Updated:
2022-09-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.