Is mesenteric lymphadenitis dangerous?

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Gastroenterologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Mesenteric lymphadenitis is an inflammation of the lymph nodes in the mesentery of the intestine. Mesenteric lymphadenitis in young children is quite common, with symptoms of abdominal pain and high fever. In general, however, mesenteric lymphadenitis rarely causes serious complications.

The mesentery is the place where the intestines and the abdominal wall are attached. Mesenteric lymphadenitis is inflammation of the lymph nodes in the mesentery of the intestine.
Mesenteric lymphadenitis in young children is quite common with symptoms of abdominal pain and high fever.

The first visible sign of mesenteric lymphadenitis is in the upper respiratory tract. Infection of the upper respiratory tract will occur with symptoms of pharyngitis. Then symptoms of pain, usually in the middle or right side of the abdomen, accompanied by a high fever, appear.
Several other symptoms may appear depending on the cause of mesenteric lymphadenitis in young children:
Fatigue, lack of energy Loss of appetite Lack of energy Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

The most common cause of mesenteric lymphadenitis in adults and children is inflammation and infection. Infections can be caused by: Bacteria, viruses, parasites.
Common infections that cause mesenteric lymphadenitis: Gastroenteritis: Also known as stomach flu. It can be caused by a virus (rotavirus or norovirus) or bacteria (salmonella, staphylococcus, or streptococcus). Yersinia enterocolitica infection. This is the most common cause of mesenteric lymphadenitis in young children. This bacteria can cause gastroenteritis and other problems. It can resemble Crohn's disease or acute appendicitis. Other infections that cause mesenteric lymphadenitis include: Infections directly or indirectly associated with HIV. This is the virus that can lead to AIDS. Tuberculosis. This is a bacterial infection that usually attacks the lungs, but can also attack other parts of the body. Acute enteritis. This is inflammation at the end of the small intestine, which can be caused by bacteria or Crohn's disease. Inflammatory conditions commonly associated with mesenteric lymphadenitis are: Appendicitis Inflammatory bowel diseases: Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis Connective tissue diseases such as lupus, sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis Diverticulitis, inflammation mucosa of the large intestine Pancreatitis, pancreatitis Some cases of unknown cause. The remaining few may be due to other causes such as cancer. The most common are Lymphoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastrointestinal cancer.

Lymph nodes play an important role in the functioning of the immune system. They contain white blood cells, which function as filters or traps to retain foreign particles, such as bacteria, viruses, other pathogenic microorganisms, etc., to help the body fight disease. During that process, the nodes closest to the infection can become painful and swollen. Other commonly swollen nodes are also located under the chin and in the armpits and groin.
Mesenteric lymphadenitis is often isolated and rarely causes complications.
However, if swollen lymph nodes are caused by a dangerous bacterial infection that is left untreated, the bacteria can spread into the bloodstream, causing a serious life-threatening infection (sepsis). .
Many red and swollen lymph nodes, there is a little inflammatory fluid oozing out of the abdomen. When endoscopic abdominal cavity can see the concentration of neutrophils from the blood into the lymphatic sinuses, phagocytosis of bacteria.
It is also necessary to be wary of some cases, mesenteric lymph nodes are enlarged rapidly, do not respond to treatment, have images of suspected malignancy, ... at that time, surgery, lymph node sampling for biopsy is required. For histological examination, only then can we get the correct treatment. equipped with modern technology, but also outstanding with comprehensive and professional medical examination, consulting and treatment services; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.
With nearly 10 years of experience in the field of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong has successfully performed many complicated endoscopic interventions, detecting many digestive cancer lesions at an advanced stage. early, bringing health and peace of mind to many patients. Doctor Phuong specializes in early cancer diagnosis in stomach and colon, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the treatment of biliary tract stones, biliary atresia, cholangiocarcinoma, biliary fistula and treatment of cardiac spasms with technique of opening muscle through the mouth to treat cardiac spasms.