Signs of mesenteric lymphadenitis are similar to appendicitis

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Duong Xuan Loc - Gastroenterologist - General Surgery Department - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.

Mesenteric lymphadenitis often has symptoms similar to appendicitis, this is a disease that rarely becomes serious and does not leave sequelae, early recognition of the signs of mesenteric lymphadenitis will help patients have treatment. correct and safe.

Mesenteric lymphadenitis is often isolated and rarely causes complications. However, if mesenteric lymphadenitis is caused by an infection with a dangerous bacterium that is left untreated, the bacteria can spread into the bloodstream, causing sepsis, which is the most serious complication of mesenteric lymphadenitis.
Mesenteric lymphadenitis often has signs and symptoms similar to those of appendicitis. However, unlike appendicitis, mesenteric lymphadenitis rarely becomes severe and resolves without sequelae.
Signs of mesenteric lymphadenitis that mimic those of appendicitis may include:
Abdominal pain: Usually focused on the lower right this is also where the appendix is ​​located, but pain can sometimes be widespread more than can pain all over the abdomen Fever with inflammatory manifestations fever symptoms are common in patients with appendicitis, can be moderate fever or high fever Other symptoms: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

Need to rely on laboratory tests to differentiate mesenteric lymphadenitis from appendicitis:
Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT scan) of the abdomen... can help differentiate between enteritis excess and mesenteric lymphadenitis. If appendicitis can see surrounding infiltrates, increasing the size of the appendix. As for mesenteric lymphadenitis, an enlarged lymph node can be seen, but it is still difficult to make a definitive diagnosis because the lymph nodes are located deep in the abdomen Although there is no specific test to diagnose mesenteric lymphadenitis, There are several tests that help diagnose other conditions that cause abdominal pain to rule out. Therefore, patients are often tested: blood, urinalysis or imaging. Diagnostic laparoscopy: In cases where, after doing tests, but still cannot rule out dangerous conditions such as appendicitis, doctors may have to use diagnostic laparoscopy. When using laparoscopy to explore the abdomen, swollen mesenteric lymph nodes can be seen. However, the aim of diagnostic laparoscopy is not to diagnose mesenteric lymphadenitis but to confirm that surgical pathology is not missed.

Usually no specific treatment is needed, pain relief can be used if absolutely necessary. If the infection is caused by bacteria, then you should take antibiotics, but this is not very common.
The doctor will advise the patient to pay attention to symptoms that may be urgent for immediate re-examination, such as increased abdominal pain or increased discomfort.