Mesenteric panniculitis: an unusual cause of dyspepsia in a hemodialysis patient.

Many patients with chronic renal failure have dyspeptic symptoms. However, mesenteric panniculitis as a cause of dyspepsia has not been described in this patient group. We report a 78-year-old hemodialysis patient who was admitted because of intractable dyspepsia. Investigations with ultrasonography, endoscopy and barium studies were all inconclusive. Computed tomography of the abdomen demonstrated a large encapsuled soft-tissue mass in the root of mesentery. Percutaneous biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of mesenteric panniculitis. Percutaneous drainage was performed when liquefaction of the mesenteric mass lesion was noted on follow-up computed tomography 1 month later. Improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms occurred soon after drainage of the fluid component of the mesenteric mass. Microbiologic and cytologic studies of the drainage specimens were negative. Follow-up computed tomography 3 months later showed reduction in the size of the mesenteric mass.