Torsion of a Mesenteric Lipoma: A Case Report

Abstract

We report a rare case of torsion of a mesenteric lipoma. A 55-year-old man admitted for persistent right flank pain lasting 2 days was found in ultrasonography to have a heterogeneous hyperechoic mass. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed a well-defined mass about 5cm in diameter containing fat with increased density of adipose tissue around the mass. Laparoscopic surgery the day after admission found a pedunculated tumor arising from the small bowel mesentery with congestion and torsion of the pedicle. The patient's symptoms were therefore suspected to have been caused by torsion of the fatty mass. Pathological specimens showed the mass to be benign mesenteric lipoma with congestion and a hemorrhagic focus, consistent with torsion of mesenteric lipoma. Mesenteric lipoma is unusual among mesenteric tumors, and torsion of mesenteric lipoma is very rare.