Medical Physics Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Medical Physics, including details on medicine, radiotherapy, biomechanics, medical imaging.

Facial infiltrative lipomatosis.

Haloi AK, Ditchfield M, Penington A, Phillips R

Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Children’s Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia, Michael.ditchfield@rch.org.au.

BACKGROUND: Although there are multiple case reports and small series concerning facial infiltrative lipomatosis, there is no composite radiological description of the condition. OBJECTIVE: Radiological evaluation of facial infiltrative lipomatosis using plain film, sonography, CT and MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We radiologically evaluated four patients with facial infiltrative lipomatosis. Initial plain radiographs of the face were acquired in all patients. Three children had an initial sonographic examination to evaluate the condition, followed by MRI. One child had a CT and then MRI. RESULTS: One child had abnormalities on plain radiographs. Sonographically, the lesions were seen as ill-defined heterogeneously hypoechoic areas with indistinct margins. On CT images, the lesions did not have a homogeneous fat density but showed some relatively more dense areas in deeper parts of the lesions. MRI provided better delineation of the exact extent of the process and characterization of facial infiltrative lipomatosis. CONCLUSION: Facial infiltrative lipomatosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis of vascular or lymphatic malformation when a child presents with unilateral facial swelling. MRI is the most useful single imaging modality to evaluate the condition, as it provides the best delineation of the exact extent of the process.

Published 14 November 2006 in Pediatr Radiol, 36(11): 1159-1162.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Medical Physics Research Today. All Rights Reserved.