Subcutaneous encapsulated fat necrosis

Area of Science:

• Dermatopathology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Subcutaneous encapsulated fat necrosis is a rare, benign finding.
• It is typically asymptomatic and frequently underreported in medical literature.
• Previous imaging of this condition is limited, with only two prior publications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a case of subcutaneous encapsulated fat necrosis.
• To document the imaging characteristics of this benign entity.
• To assist surgeons in the preoperative and intraoperative diagnosis of fat necrosis.

Main Methods:

• Histopathological examination of excised subcutaneous nodule.
• Intraoperative assessment by surgical teams.

Main Results:

• The case presented a subcutaneous encapsulated fat necrosis with a cloudy yellow surface, distinct from the 'pearly' appearance described in previous reports.
• Histopathology confirmed benign, necrotic adipose tissue encapsulated within fibrous tissue.

Conclusions:

• Subcutaneous encapsulated fat necrosis is a benign condition with variable imaging findings.
• Recognition of its diverse presentations is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
• Intraoperative identification can prevent unnecessary extensive surgical procedures.