Mesenteric vasculitis: A rare cause of acute abdomen in children

Mesenteric vasculitis is an extremely rare condition in the pediatric age group and difficult to diagnose preoperatively. This is specially so if there are no manifestations of an underlying systemic illness. We report two children with mesenteric vasculitis highlighting aspects of diagnosis and management. Both patients presented with signs and symptoms of acute abdomen stressing the difficulties in differentiating mesenteric vasculitis from other more common causes of acute abdomen. Their contrast-enhanced abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scan showed features compatible with mesenteric vasculitis. Awareness of this is important to avoid morbidity and mortality. The use of abdominal CT scan can help exclude other surgical causes and aids in making the diagnosis of mesenteric vasculitis. Timely diagnosis and the use of steroids and/or immunosuppressive therapy lead to rapid response and good outcome for children with mesenteric vasculitis.