[Pelvic lipomatosis: value of x-ray computed tomography. Apropos of a case]

Pelvic lipomatosis is characterised by an excessive amount of adipose tissue in the pelvis. Although there are usually few clinical symptoms, the radiological changes are characteristic: pear-shaped bladder, straightened and displaced rectosigmoid junction. However, these changes are not specific and some workers advise histological confirmation with or without surgical exploration. The authors describe a case illustrating the diagnostic value of computerised axial tomography, as has previously been reported. This investigation seems to give reliable results in the diagnosis of pelvic tumours, especially those of adipose tissue.