Fundamental Radiological Findings: Misty Mesentery

OVERVIEW

This page is dedicated to covering the radiological finding of misty mesentery. 

WHAT IS IT?

A misty mesentery refers to a finding on CT scan where mesenteric fat has the appearance of increased attenuation.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS FOR THIS FINDING

When seeing a misty mesentery, it is important to keep in mind the following possible causes of this finding:

  • Mesenteric panniculitis
  • Mesenteric lymphoma
  • Infiltration of lymphatics by gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma
  • Idiopathic causes 
KEY FEATURES TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHARACTERIZING THE FINDING

When seeing a misty mesentery, there are a few important radiological features one should look at to try and characterize the finding. These features can help navigate the differential diagnosis above.

 

Page Updated: 07.31.2017