Sclerosing Mesenteritis: A Diagnostic Challenge Between Benignity and Malignancy

Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare, benign, fibroinflammatory disorder of the mesentery that often presents radiographic features that could be mistaken for malignancy. This case study report describes the diagnostic and therapeutic journey of a woman in her early forties who had ongoing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. A retractile fibrosing mesenteric mass with vascular compromise was discovered by imaging. Sclerotic mesenteritis was confirmed by histology. Subsequent analyses excluded malignant, autoimmune, and infectious causes. For managing symptoms, a three-month course of oral budesonide, agents such as polyethylene glycol, and a dietary plan were provided. Suspicions of superior mesenteric artery syndrome were later raised by vascular involvement. Sclerosing mesenteritis is a challenging diagnosis, associated with several benign and malignant etiologies. In this case, the symptoms may result from mass effect or mask another pathology, but the extensive study conducted was insufficient to allow a definitive diagnosis.