Mesenteric Lymphadenitis

Diagnosis

Diagnosing mesenteric lymphadenitis involves reviewing medical history and performing a physical examination. A healthcare professional looks for signs of infection and checks areas of abdominal tenderness, especially in the lower right side where symptoms may resemble appendicitis.

To help confirm the diagnosis and identify the cause, certain tests may be recommended.

• Blood tests
  Blood tests can help show whether an infection is present and may provide clues about whether the infection is viral or bacterial.

• Imaging studies
  An ultrasound of the abdominal area is commonly used to diagnose mesenteric lymphadenitis, especially in children. In some cases, a CT scan of the abdomen may be ordered to get more detailed images and rule out other causes of abdominal pain.

Treatment

Mild cases of mesenteric lymphadenitis, particularly those caused by a viral infection, often resolve on their own without specific medical treatment. Full recovery may take four weeks or longer.

Treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting recovery.

For fever or pain, infants’ or children’s over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used. These options are generally considered safer for children than aspirin.

Aspirin should be used with caution in children and teenagers. Although it is approved for certain ages, children or teenagers recovering from viral illnesses such as chickenpox or flu should not take aspirin. Aspirin use in these situations has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, which is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition.

If mesenteric lymphadenitis is caused by a moderate to severe bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the underlying infection and help ease symptoms.