Lipomatosis and true lipomas of the ileocecal valve

Two patients with lipomatosis and two patients with true lipoma of the ileocecal valve are described. The symptomatology, radiological appearances, pathological findings and treatment are discussed. True lipomas of the ileocecal valve should be differentiated from the more commonly occurring lipomatosis or lipohyperplasia. The rare true lipomas have a demarcating capsule around the fatty tissue and are confined to only one of the ileocecal lips. The lipomatosis, on the other hand, is characterized by a diffus fatty deposition in the submucosa of the valve with no encapsulation. Lipomatosis as well as true lipomas may appear as rounded, smoothly outlined and sharply demarcated masses on barium enema examination. Occasionally, these filling defects may present problems of differential diagnosis with respect to malignant involvement of the ileocecal region. A correct preoperative diagnosis, however, is important to prevent unnecessary or too radical surgical treatment.