[Brachial plexus compression from supraclavicular encapsulated fat necrosis. A case report]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pathology

Background:

• Fat necrosis is a known condition, typically affecting the lower limbs and often linked to trauma.
• It is characterized by cystic architecture, internal fat necrosis, and inflammatory infiltration of its walls.

Observation:

• A 44-year-old male presented with a one-month history of progressive distal paresis in his left arm.
• Imaging revealed a mass in the supraclavicular space, which was surgically removed.
• Histo-pathological examination identified the mass as encapsulated fat necrosis.

Findings:

• The supraclavicular mass, identified as encapsulated fat necrosis, was compressing the brachial plexus.
• This compression led to the patient's observed symptoms of left arm paresis.

Implications:

• This is the first reported instance of brachial plexus compression specifically due to supraclavicular fat necrosis.
• The findings highlight a rare but significant neurological complication of fat necrosis, expanding its known clinical presentations.
• This case underscores the importance of considering less common etiologies for nerve compression syndromes in the supraclavicular region.