Mesenteric Lymphadenitis

Question 1

What is mesenteric lymphadenitis

Answer 1

inflammation of the lymph nodes in the mesentery typically after a cold. the infective agent that caused the cold gains access to lymph nodes via abdominal lymphatics

causes abdo pain, fever, wised white cell count. difficult to diagnose via USS imaging

can mimic appendicitis

Question 2

Ischaemic Colitis

Answer 2

arterial supply to the bowel is compromised.

acute/chornic

inadequate blood flow to the bowel = acute mesenteric ischaemia. due to an embolus of the mesenteric arteries (AF, hx of AF, atherosclerotic disease) abdominal pain, vomiting, shock, non viable mucosa, plum coloured stools. inflammatory markers, CRP elevated, ABG metabolic acidosis. mesenteric angiogram

surgical emergency

Question 3

Pseudomembranous colitis

Answer 3

C. Diff
diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloody, profuse diarrhoea and sepsis

history of abs use
recent admission or living in a residential/nursing home

Question 4

Angiodysplasia

Answer 4

small AVM’s in GI tract

painless bleeding per rectum, iron deficiency anaemia