Retractile mesenteritis: initial presentation as colonic obstruction.

Retroperitoneal fibrosis has been associated with a variety of sclerosing diseases. Among these is the variant known as retractile mesenteritis, which involves predominantly the mesentery of the small intestine and associated vessels; involvement of the mesocolon and the colon is less frequent. Two patients with a dominating clinical picture of colonic obstruction are described. The radiographic presentations were similar and should serve to remind radiologists and clinicians of this entity.