No abstract

The mesentery and its folds tether the small bowel loops to the posterior abdominal wall. It transmits nerves, vessels, and lymph ensconced in a fatty sponge layer wrapped in a thin glistening peritoneum, from and to the small bowel. Not only does this flexible dynamic fatty apron house various localized primary benign and malignant lesions, it is often involved in and gives an indication of generalized or systemic diseases in the body. An understanding of the anatomy, components, and function of the mesentery helps to classify mesenteric abnormalities. This further allows for characterizing radiological patterns and appearances specific to certain disease entities. Recent reviews of mesenteric anatomy have kindled new interest in its function and clinical applications, heralding the possibility of revision of its role in diseases of the abdomen.

The term “Intra-Abdominal Focal Fat Infarction” (IFFI) encompasses a range of conditions where infarction of fatty tissue is the underlying pathological process, including Epiploic appendagitis, omental infarction, fat necrosis related to trauma or pancreatitis as well as rarer entities such as falciform ligament infarction. Uncomplicated IFFI is usually self-limiting and managed conservatively with oral antiinflammatory therapy. Rarely complications such as liquefaction and secondary abscess formation may arise with associated deterioration in symptoms and signs prompting a change in management including Laparoscopic resection or Percutaneous drainage. We present 3 cases of complicated IFFI with emphasis on the rarer Falciform ligament infarction with abscess formation.