Is mesenteric adenitis a benign condition? Ischemic colitis secondary to mesenteric adenitis in a 12 year old

Mesenteric adenitis is an inflammation and enlargement of the mesenteric lymph nodes often secondary to an infection. Symptoms often mimic many of the common causes of right lower quadrant abdominal pain and it is usually a benign, self-limited disease. We report a case of a 12 year old girl with mesenteric adenitis in which enlarged lymph nodes obstructed blood flow to her ascending colon, causing venous and arterial thrombosis and ischemic colitis, requiring a right hemi-colectomy. Ischemic colitis should be included on the wide differential for right lower quadrant pain and quickly identified to provide the best outcome for the patient.