Sclerosing mesenteritis

This code represents sclerosing mesenteritis, also known as mesenteric panniculitis or retractile mesenteritis. It is a rare, chronic inflammatory and fibrotic process affecting the mesentery, characterized by fat necrosis, chronic inflammation, and fibrosis. This condition can lead to abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, or palpable abdominal masses.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of sclerosing mesenteritis, mesenteric panniculitis, or retractile mesenteritis. This diagnosis is typically confirmed through imaging studies (e.g., CT scan) showing mesenteric fat stranding, calcifications, or a soft tissue mass, often with biopsy results confirming the characteristic inflammatory and fibrotic changes.

• Ensure the documentation clearly distinguishes this condition from other abdominal inflammatory processes.
• Look for specific terms like "sclerosing," "panniculitis," or "retractile" in conjunction with "mesentery."
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it is a comorbidity affecting treatment.