K65.4
Sclerosing mesenteritis
Clinical Classification Guidelines
Inclusion Terms
- Fat necrosis of peritoneum
- (Idiopathic) sclerosing mesenteric fibrosis
- Mesenteric lipodystrophy
- Mesenteric panniculitis
- Retractile mesenteritis
Medical Intelligence & Overview
Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare, inflammatory condition affecting the mesentery, the fold of tissue that attaches the intestines to the abdominal wall. It involves inflammation, fibrosis, and fat necrosis within the mesentery, leading to varying symptoms and potential complications. Also known by terms such as mesenteric panniculitis, mesenteric lipodystrophy, or retractile mesenteritis, this condition is often diagnosed incidentally through imaging studies and can have an unpredictable course.
Causes & Symptoms
Clinical Causes: Idiopathic (unknown origin) Recent abdominal surgery or trauma Infections or inflammatory processes Autoimmune conditions Associations with certain cancers, such as lymphoma History of abdominal radiation therapy
Key Symptoms: Abdominal pain or discomfort, often persistent or intermittent Abdominal bloating or distension Nausea or vomiting Unexplained weight loss Occasional palpable mass in the abdomen Altered bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation Fever or malaise in some cases
Diagnostic & Treatment
Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis of sclerosing mesenteritis typically involves imaging studies, particularly computed tomography (CT) scans, which reveal characteristic features such as a fatty mass with soft tissue stranding or a 'misty' mesentery. Sometimes, biopsy samples are needed to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other conditions like malignancies or infectious processes. Additional laboratory tests may help rule out other causes of abdominal symptoms.
Treatment Protocols: Treatment strategies vary based on symptoms and severity. Often, management is conservative, including:
Clinical Advice & FAQs
Billing Guidance
Is K65.4 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, K65.4 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Documentation
How do I report K65.4?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Sclerosing mesenteritis and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.
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