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Imaging of a case of sclerosing panniculitis

J. Stack, M.R.C.P.I., F.F.R. (R.C.S.I.) S. J. Heffernan, F.R.C.S.I. ^* P. Dervan, M.D., M.Sc., M.R.C.Path. and J. T. Ennis, M.D., F.R.C.P.I., F.R.C.R.

Institute of Radiological Science, Mater Misercordiae Hospital, Dublin 7, Republic of Ireland ^* Department of Surgery, Mater Misercordiae Hospital, Dublin 7, Republic of Ireland Department of Pathology, Mater Misercordiae Hospital, Dublin 7, Republic of Ireland

This excerpt was created in the absence of an abstract.

Sclerosing panniculitis is an idiopathic inflammatory condition occurring most commonly in the adipose tissue of the mesentery. It is characterised by inflammation and fibrosis usually resulting in a tumourlike mass. Both of the components may be the expression of different stages of their reparative process (Reske & Namiki, 1975) and although limited to the mesentery of the small bowel, one case of primary omental involvement has been reported (Durst et al, 1977).

The pathogenesis and epidemiology of sclerosing panniculitis is unknown but previous abdominal surgery and associated intra-abdominal disease are thought to be involved in the development of the nonspecific, inflammatory reaction of the fatty tissue, resulting in sclerosis (Durst et al, 1977).

Sclerosing panniculitis may occur in other sites when associated with systemic diseases, such as Weber-Christian disease (Handelsman & Shelley, 1965). However, 60% of cases are confined to the abdomen where it is a rare cause of an abdominal mass; we now report a second case of exclusive omental involvement.

Author for reprint requests.

Received for publication February 1, 1986. Revision received May 1, 1986.