Mesenteric lymphadenitis

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing mesentery
Mesentery

Signs and symptoms of mesenteric lymphadenitis may last a few days or as long as a few weeks. They include:

  • Abdominal pain, often centered on the lower, right side, but the pain can sometimes be more widespread
  • Fever

Depending on what's causing the ailment, other signs and symptoms may include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Generally feeling unwell (malaise)

When to see a doctor
Abdominal pain is common in children and teens, and it can be hard to know when it's a problem that needs medical attention. In general, if your child has sudden, severe abdominal pain or pain with fever, bloody diarrhea or vomiting, call your doctor right away. Also call your doctor if mild symptoms don't get better in 5 days or so.

References
  1. Leung AK, et al. Acute abdominal pain in children. American Family Physician. 2003;67(11):2321-2326.
  2. Vanyer K, et al. Mesenteric lymphadenopathy in children examined by US for chronic and/or recurrent abdominal pain. Pediatric Radiology. 2003;33(12): 864-867.
  3. Micari M, et al. Mesenteric adentitis: CT diagnosis of primary versus secondary causes, incidence, and clinical significance in pediatric and adult patients. American Journal of Roentgenology. 2002;178:853-858.
  4. Rathaus V, et al. Enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes in asymptomatic children: The value of the finding in various imaging modalities. The British Journal of Radiology. 2005;78(925):30-33.
  5. Boaz K. et al. Mesenteric lymph nodes in children: What is normal? Pediatric Radiology. 2005;35(8):774-777.
  6. Simanovksy N, et al. Importance of sonographic detection of enlarged abdominal lymph nodes in children. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine. 2007;26(5):581-584.

DS00881

Jan. 3, 2009

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