Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
Published on: May 1, 2015
A rare cause of calf swelling: the Morel-Lavallee lesion
J M Moriarty1, C G Borrero, E C Kavanagh
1Department of Radiology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland. jonnymoriarty@yahoo.com
Introduction:
Calf swelling is a common clinical presentation with a wide and varied differential diagnosis. The Morel-Lavallee is a rare cause of subcutaneous swelling, caused by post-traumatic shearing of the hypodermis from the underlying fascia. The potential space so created fills with blood, lymph and necrotic fat giving specific findings on MR evaluation.
Materials And Methods:
A case of a 53-year-old man with calf swelling is presented, with clinical and MRI correlation. Treatment options and clinical course are discussed.
Conclusion:
The Morel-Lavallee lesion is a rare but important cause of calf swelling. MRI is the mainstay of diagnosis and treatment includes both surgical and minimally invasive modalities.
Related Concept Videos
Cytotoxic Edema: Pathophysiology
Veins of Lower Limbs
Formed by the union of the medial and lateral plantar veins, the posterior tibial vein, rising through the calf muscle, assimilates the fibular vein. The anterior tibial vein, a superior extension of the foot's dorsalis pedis vein, merges with the posterior tibial vein at the knee,...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Varicose Veins I: Introduction
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction