Retracticle Mesenteriitis

  I am seeking information on a rare disease diagnosed as "retracticle mesenteritis."  Does anyone have any knowledge of this disease or know of any other cases, and how it is treated?  The disease consists of nonmalignate growing tumors in the stomach, hundreds of very small ones and some large.  
Dear J. Millikin,
Retractile mesenteritis refers to a group of diseases that produce inflammation and scarring of  supporting intestinal structures (mesentery and peritonuem. There is quite a bit of confusion when discussing these clinical conditions since they have been reported with different names. Furthermore, these clinical entities are extremely rare. The three basic diseases are: retractile mesenteritis, mesenteric panniculitis and retroperitoneal fibrosis. The first two diseases usually do not have an underlying cause (idiopathic) and have a benign clinical course. On the other hand, retroperitoneal fibrosis has an underlying cause in about 30% of cases, including drugs, tumors, trauma or inflammation.
These diseases have  usually been diagnosed at surgical exploration or autopsy in the past, however, imaging studies such as CT scanning or MRI may assist in making the diagnosis. Treatment is usually not needed for retractile mesenteritis and mesenteric panniculitis. Biopsies for diagnosis or surgical bypass for areas of blockage is usually the only surgical intervention required. A rare form of retractile mesenteritis called the desmoid tumor variant has been successfully treated with immunosuppression. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
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