Prevalence and clinical correlates of mesenteric panniculitis in urinary stone disease

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of mesenteric panniculitis in patients with urinary system calculi and identify factors, such as hydronephrosis and calculus location, that might be associated with the presence of mesenteric panniculitis. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective observational study, the prevalence of mesenteric panniculitis was determined in 692 patients with urolithiasis using non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography imaging between 2017 and 2020. The grade of hydronephrosis and the level of urinary calculi were recorded for each patient, and statistical analysis was performed to assess the link between these features and mesenteric panniculitis. Results: The prevalence of mesenteric panniculitis in patients with urolithiasis was 6.35% and it was associated with the presence of hydronephrosis. It was more common in patients who had both ureterolithiasis and nephrolithiasis with no statistically significant difference regarding in age, gender, or the presence of either only nephrolithiasis or only ureterolithiasis. Conclusion: Mesenteric panniculitis is more common in patients with both ureterolithiasis and nephrolithiasis and can be easily diagnosed with non-contrast computed tomography imaging. Because the mesentery and urinary system share a common lymphatic drainage system, increased lymphatic drainage due to hydronephrosis has been shown to contribute to the development of mesenteric panniculitis.