What Causes Epiploic Appendegitis?

Posted on Fri, 16 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 16 Jan 2015 Answered on

Fri, 13 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : What causes epiploic appendegitis? Is it a vitamin deficiency? Stress? IBS?

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is due to torsion or venous thrombosis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.

Epiploic appendagitis is a benign condition. It is a self limiting inflammtory condition affecting the epiploic appendices.

It occurs when there is torsion of the epiploic appendices or there is obstruction to the blood flow due to venous thrombosis.
It is not due to vitamin deficiency or stress or IBS.

I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (2 minutes later)

What causes the torsion/thrombosis?

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Long pedicle and spontaneous thrombosis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
If the epiploic appendices have long pedicles, they can get twisted and undergo torsion. The venous thrombosis is usually spontaneous.

I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (1 minute later)

What causes that to happen? Strain? Exercise? Movement? What did I do to make happen?

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Exercise

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Exercise may cause this.
Obesity is also considered a risk factor.

I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar