Overview

• Inflammatory condition primarily involving the mesenteric lymph nodes.
  • Often mimics appendicitis, but affects mesenteric lymph nodes in the abdomen rather than the appendix.
• Mainly in children <15 years old with recent viral/bacterial infection.
• Yersinia Enterocolitica → gram -ve bacillus causing mesenteric adenitis.

Making Diagnosis

Clinical Features

• Diffuse abdominal pain.
• Low-grade fever.
• Generalised abdominal tenderness.
• Sore throat.

Investigations

• US Abdomen → reveals enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes and normal appendix.
• FBC → normal (unlike raised WCC in appendicitis).

Management Plan

• Self Limiting therefore supportive care → pain management and adequate hydration.
• Pain may take 2-4 weeks to resolve.