Published in:
01-07-2018 | Classics in Abdominal Imaging
The “fat ring” sign of sclerosing mesenteritis
Published in: Abdominal Radiology | Issue 7/2018
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The fat ring or fat halo sign (Fig 1) describes the CT appearance of the infiltration of the central mesenteric soft tissues with preservation of a distinct circumferential rim of fat immediately surrounding the mesenteric vessels, typically seen in sclerosing mesenteritis (Fig. 2A, B) [1]. A chronic subtype of mesenteric panniculitis, sclerosing mesenteritis is a primary, idiopathic inflammatory, and fibrotic process that affects the small bowel mesentery.
Fig. 1
Circumferential rings of fatty bacon wrapped around sliced bananas. (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Bacon-wrapped_food#/media/File:Bacon-wrapped_banana.jpg), accessed September 24, 2017 (public domain)
Fig. 2
Axial (A) and coronal reconstructed (B) contrast-enhanced CT images demonstrate edema/inflammation involving the central mesentery, with sparing of a distinct ring of fat surrounding the mesenteric vessels: the “fat ring” sign (yellow arrows)
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