Mesenteric lipodystrophy – An unusual intraabdominal mass

Abstract INTRODUCTION We report the case of a 21 year old female with underlying facial lipodystrophy who presented with left lower abdominal pain, weight gain and altered bowel habit. PRESENTATION OF CASE Subsequent investigation showed a large (21 cm × 18 cm × 8 cm) intraabdominal mass. At laparotomy, it was completely excised and was seen to arise from the transverse mesocolon and following histology revealed it to be mesenteric lipodystrophy. DISCUSSION Mesenteric lipodystrophy is a rare clinical entity, and part of a spectrum of disorders of sclerosing mesenteritis. This is the first reported case in a patient with pre-existing facial lipodystrophy. CONCLUSION Herein we describe a case of mesenteric lipodystrophy, discuss its management and review of the literature.