Intraabdominal panniculitis: clinical, radiographic, and CT features

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1985 Aug;145(2):293-6. doi: 10.2214/ajr.145.2.293.

Abstract

Intraabdominal panniculitis, also known as lipodystrophy, is an inflammatory condition of adipose tissue that may result in development of large masses containing necrotic fat (nodular intraabdominal panniculitis). Symptoms are secondary to inflammation or mass effect on adjacent organs. Barium studies may show nonspecific inflammatory changes and displacement of bowel loops. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrates inhomogeneous masses containing fat and soft tissue density. The diagnosis of intraabdominal panniculitis has seldom been made prospectively. However, the CT findings are characteristic and can aid in the evaluation and management of patients with this disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue* / diagnostic imaging
  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mesentery* / diagnostic imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Peritoneal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Peritoneal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Whipple Disease / diagnosis