Ultrasonographic features of pelvic lipomatosis

The authors describe the diagnostic ultrasound findings of pelvic lipomatosis in a patient presenting with lower extremity thrombophlebitis. In this condition, ultrasound shows the full urinary bladder to assume a tubular or "cigar" shape and to "float" in the pelvic fat with failure to distend normally to the pelvic side walls. Confirmatory computed tomography discloses normal muscular and osseous anatomy but an increase in radiolucent fat surrounding the pelvic viscera. Clinical and radiographic findings are reviewed, and a differential diagnosis is presented.