Intra-Abdominal Abscess Secondary to Panniculitis

Intra-abdominal abscess is a common and potentially severe complication of various abdominal conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, visceral perforations and neoplastic processes. It may also follow surgical procedures or abdominal trauma. It involves the localized accumulation of purulent fluid in the peritoneal cavity as a response to intra-abdominal infection. Clinical presentations are often nonspecific, delaying diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Diagnostic imaging, particularly Computed Tomography (CT), is crucial for identifying the abscess and guiding management. Treatment includes broad-spectrum antibiotics and either percutaneous or surgical drainage depending on the case. Early identification and multidisciplinary management are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. Panniculitis is defined as nonspecific inflammation and significant thickening of the mesentery, sometimes referred to as retractile mesenteritis. The Mayo Clinic classifies panniculitis into three types: Type 1: Diffuse mesenteric thickening from the root to the intestinal border Type 2: Isolated nodular mass at the mesenteric root Type 3: Multiple mesenteric nodules of varying sizes We present the case of a 50-year-old woman with a one-week history of abdominal pain. Imaging and laboratory studies were inconclusive and the patient underwent laparoscopic surgery revealing an intra-abdominal abscess secondary to mesenteric panniculitis.