[3 cases of neonatal cyto-steatonecrosis. Physiopathological discussion]

Three cases of subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn (SFNN) are presented. They occurred after a therapeutic coma induced by intravenous barbiturates to control convulsions unresponsive to conventional treatment. Two patients had widespread lesions. Histopathology showed prominent vascular involvement. Since 1970, 26 cases of SFNN have been published. Among the aetiological factors already described, hypothermia and ischaemia play a major role. It is suggested that brown adipose tissue might be of importance in the pathophysiology of subdural fat necrosis of the newborn.