Mesenteric Adenitis in Children

Mesenteric adenitis is inflammation of lymph nodes in the mesentery. The mesentery is the membrane that attaches the intestines to the wall of the abdomen.

Lymph nodes (also called lymph glands) are collections of tissue that filter bacteria, viruses, and waste substances from the blood. They are part of the body’s disease-fighting system (immune system).

Mesenteric adenitis is most common in children. In most cases, it goes away on its own without treatment. The symptoms of this condition are often mistaken for symptoms of an inflamed appendix (appendicitis).

What are the causes?

This condition is usually caused by bacteria or viruses. It usually starts as an intestinal infection.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Common symptoms of this condition include:

• Abdominal pain and tenderness.
• Fever.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• Your child’s symptoms and medical history.
• A physical exam.
• Blood tests.
• Abdominal ultrasound.
• Abdominal CT scan.

How is this treated?

In most cases, this condition goes away by itself. Treatment and home care will depend on the cause and your child’s symptoms. Your child’s health care provider may:

• Recommend over-the-counter medicine for pain or fever.
• Recommend that your child drinks plenty of fluids (stays hydrated).
• Prescribe antibiotic medicine, if your child’s condition is caused by bacteria.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Give your child over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by his or her health care provider.
• Do not give your child aspirin because of the association with Reye syndrome.
• If your child was prescribed an antibiotic, give it as told by your child’s health care provider. Do not stop giving the antibiotic even if your child starts to feel better.

General instructions

• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.
• Have your child:
  • Drink enough fluid to keep his or her urine pale yellow.
  • Eat the foods that his or her health care provider recommends.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if your child:

• Has a fever.

Get help right away if your child:

• Has pain that does not go away or becomes severe.
• Is younger than 3 months and has a temperature of 100°F (38°C) or higher.
• Vomits repeatedly.
• Has pain only in the lower-right part of the abdomen. This may be a sign of appendicitis.
• Has stools (feces) that are bright red or black and tarry.

Summary

• Mesenteric adenitis is inflammation of lymph nodes in the mesentery. The mesentery is the membrane that attaches the intestines to the wall of the abdomen.
• Lymph nodes are part of the body’s disease-fighting system (immune system).
• Mesenteric adenitis is most common in children.
• This condition usually starts as an intestinal infection and is usually caused by bacteria or a virus.
• This condition usually goes away on its own. In some cases, your child may need antibiotics.