Intra-abdominal focal fat infarction of the omentum: diagnosis and percutaneous management

We present a case of a 68-year-old female who presented with left iliac fossa pain and postprandial vomiting for 7 days. Initial CT scan revealed a large mass within the upper abdomen in close proximity to the pancreatic tail, with central fat density, marginal enhancement, a distended vessel coursing through the centre and hazy increased density of the fat outside of the structure. A diagnosis of intra-abdominal focal fat infarction (IFFI) was made and she was treated conservatively. Subsequently, she re-presented with further pain and elevated inflammatory markers. A repeat CT scan again demonstrated the well-defined mass, but now with the development of fluid attenuation within the centre and several pockets of air. Radiologically guided percutaneous drains were inserted into the area of liquefaction and subsequent microbiology analysis revealed mixed coliform bacilli; targeted antibiotics were administered. The collection resolved on subsequent imaging. Identification of radiological features of IFFI is very helpful in establishing a diagnosis and may negate the need for surgical intervention.