Brenneman syndrome was first reported by Brenneman in 1921. Also known as throat infection with mesenteric and retroperitoneal lymphadenitis, or mesenteric lymphadenitis, it refers to acute mesenteric lymphadenitis in the ileum and large intestine regions caused by upper respiratory tract infections.

bubble_chart Etiology

Viral infections are primarily caused by Coxsackie B virus or other viruses. Due to the abundant lymphatic drainage in the distal ileum and the high number of lymph nodes in the ileum and large intestine region, after an upper respiratory tract infection, the virus and its toxins travel through the bloodstream to the lymph nodes in this area, causing mesenteric or retroperitoneal lymphadenitis.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

Common in children under 15 years old, after an upper respiratory tract infection, symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, and discomfort, followed by abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. The abdominal pain is often seen around the navel and in the lower right abdomen, occurring in paroxysmal episodes with tenderness and rebound tenderness, though less severe than appendicitis, and the pain points are not fixed.

bubble_chart Auxiliary Examination

White blood cells may increase, with occasional increases in the proportion of lymphocytes and monocytes.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

If it cannot be differentiated from acute appendicitis, surgical exploration should be performed; if the diagnosis is confirmed, conservative treatment can be applied, including broad-spectrum antibiotics and supportive therapy. Some patients may develop intussusception, so close observation is necessary, but most cases can recover naturally.

Differential diagnosis of appendicitis, subcutaneous nodules, and mesenteric lymphadenitis.