An inflammatory process of the mesenteric lymph nodes and can present as acute or chronic abdominal pain.

The lymph nodes involved are usually in the right lower quadrant, and the diagnosis sometimes mimics appendicitis.

Mesenteric lymphadenitis is a condition in which the lymph nodes in the mesenteric membrane that connects the intestines to the abdominal wall become inflamed.

Often mistaken for an appendicitis.

Occurs more often in children and teenagers than in adults.

Diagnosed more often in boys than in girls.

With mesenteric lymphadenitis patients experience pain in the lower portion of the abdomen, usually on the right-hand side.

May be associated with fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Occasionally occurs without symptoms being present and is discovered incidentally.

Results most frequently from an episode of gastroenteritis rather than than from any other source of infection.

Linked to ingestion of undercooked pork products, drinking unpasteurized fresh milk, or contaminated water.

May cause sepsis.

Diagnosis utilizes computed tomography (CT) or an ultrasound to verify that mesenteric lymphadenitis.

Usually resolves within days or weeks.

Moderate to severe bacterial infections resulting in mesenteric lymphadenitis are treated with antibiotics, but most cases are treated symptomatically.

Diagnosis is by ultrasound showing abdominal lymph nodes greater than 10 mm.

Diagnosis requires proof that the appendix is not involved with inflammation.

Etiology includes viral and bacterial gastroenteritis, group A Streptococcal pharyngitis, inflammatory bowel disease and lymphoma.

Viral infection is the most common form of mesenteric lymphadenitis.