Lipomatosis of the ileocecal valve

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 27 Sep 2023

Lipomatosis of the ileocecal valve is a benign condition characterized by fatty infiltration of the ileocecal valve. It is usually detected incidentally during investigation of other conditions. However, it occasionally causes vague abdominal symptoms.

This condition is usually seen in adults older than 40 years and more prevalent in females.

Non-specific symptoms are present:

  • vague abdominal discomfort

  • constipation

  • cramping

  • nausea +/- vomiting

  • chronic right iliac fossa pain

Lipomatosis of the ileocecal valve is characterized by increased fatty infiltration in the submucosal layer. The symptoms are produced in part by recurrent intussusception and bowel obstruction.

May show a smooth mass-like enlargement of the ileocecal valve. The lips of the ileocecal valve are thickened and show nodularity; however, the margins are smooth.

It may be missed on preliminary ultrasound unless a high level of suspicion is present. The ileocecal valve will appear bulky and hyperechoic on ultrasound. Associated intussusception may be identified if present.

CT establishes this entity beyond doubt. Circumferential thickening of lips of the ileocecal valve is seen showing fat attenuation.

MRI is seldom required for diagnosis. However, the lesion shows circumferential thickening with high signal appearance of the ileocecal valve on both T1 and T2 weighted images and shows loss of signal on fat suppressed sequence.

No definite management is required if asymptomatic.

Surgical resection is done when complications like intussusception and bowel obstruction are present.

Surgical resection is also done in cases of atypical appearance to rule out malignant lesion.

Imaging differential considerations include:

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