Normal variations of pelvic fat distribution implications on CT staging of pelvic tumors

In order to determine the normal variations of pelvic fat distribution, 25 men and 25 women normal pelvic computer tomography (CT) scans were reviewed. No distinct fat planes were demonstrated between the prostate and pelvic side walls, bladder and seminal vesicles, and prostate and rectum in 69%, 81%, and 86% of the men patients, respectively. Similarly, there were no distinct fat planes between the uterus and pelvic side walls, and uterus and rectum in 86% and 96% of the women patients, respectively. We conclude that there are no distinct fat planes around pelvic organs in the majority of normal people and this may be a major source of error in the CT staging of pelvic tumors.