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Panniculitis - thigh

Case contributed by Maulik S Patel
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Pain and swelling involving the left anterior thigh for the last few days. No trauma. Clinical examination revealed local redness, increased temperature and diffuse swelling.

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Male
ultrasound

The affected area of the left thigh shows increased echogenicity and thickness of the subcutaneous fat without any collection. There is left inguinal reactive lymphadenopathy. The extended field of view shows both normal and abnormal fat in one image and allows comparison in a single image. The craniocaudal extension is about 150 mm and the transverse extension about 70 mm. There is no deep venous thrombosis. Underlying muscles show normal echopattern.

Contralateral right thigh shows normal echopattern of the subcutaneous fat without inguinal lymphadenopathy.

Case Discussion

The case shows ultrasound findings of panniculitis in the left thigh along with left inguinal reactive lymphadenopathy. Panniculitis is not a diagnosis in its own right. It is defined as inflammation of adipose tissue and most commonly affects the subcutaneous region, although forms such as mesenteric panniculitis are also well-known. A variety of etiologies may cause panniculitis, including vasculitides and malignancies 1,2.

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