Lesser Omental Infarction: Clinical Insights and Diagnostic Challenges in a Rare Case of Acute Abdominal Pain.

Abstract

Intraperitoneal focal fat infarction (IFFI) is a rare condition characterized by infarction of fatty tissue within the abdominal cavity. Lesser omental infarction, a relatively rare type of IFFI, occurs when there is an infarction of fat within the lesser omentum. Patients typically present with acute abdominal pain that can mimic more serious conditions. This case report highlights the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management strategies for patients presenting to the emergency department with lesser omental infarction. A 63-year-old female presented to the emergency department with a chief complaint of epigastric abdominal pain that had been persisting for approximately a week and a half. The pain, which initially seemed like a sore muscle, became increasingly sharp and intermittent, with tenderness upon palpation of the epigastric area. Computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed an omental infarct in the lesser sac with focal inflammation in the fat of the lesser omentum. Through conservative management with analgesics and anti-inflammatory medication, the patient experienced resolution of her symptoms within a few days and had a follow-up with the gastrointestinal team several weeks later. Lesser omental infarction typically results from compromised blood flow due to torsion or thrombosis, leading to ischemia and necrosis of the fatty tissue. CT imaging is crucial for its diagnosis and reveals fat-density lesions with surrounding inflammatory changes. Conservative management is typically effective, though in rare cases, surgical intervention may be necessary when significant vital signs and electrolyte derangements occur.