Abstract
Panniculitis, when induced by physical trauma or by chemical agents at injection sites, presents as indurated subcutaneous nodules or plaques. The clinical picture may vary, but the context makes usually the diagnosis easy. Three case histories from our department illustrate the spectrum of traumatic panniculitis: subcutaneous nodules at injection sites, a large subcutaneous mass disproportionate to mild trauma, and, at the other end of the spectrum, severe adipose tissue necrosis with liquefied fat discharging through surface wounds. Traumatic panniculitis is self-limiting and only requires symptomatic treatment.
Highlights
IntroductionTraumatic panniculitis refers to changes in the subcutaneous adipose tissue caused by physical trauma or by chemical agents at injection sites [1, 2]
Three case histories from our department illustrate the spectrum of traumatic panniculitis: subcutaneous nodules at injection sites, a large subcutaneous mass disproportionate to mild trauma, and, at the other end of the spectrum, severe adipose tissue necrosis with liquefied fat discharging through surface wounds
Traumatic panniculitis refers to changes in the subcutaneous adipose tissue caused by physical trauma or by chemical agents at injection sites [1, 2]
Summary
Traumatic panniculitis refers to changes in the subcutaneous adipose tissue caused by physical trauma or by chemical agents at injection sites [1, 2]. The lesions are indurated, warm, subcutaneous plaques or nodules, their occurrence and size not necessary relating with the intensity of injury. There may be areas of fluctuance with liquefied fat discharging through a surface wound. Microscopic examination of a biopsy specimen typically shows microcysts surrounded by histiocytes, foam cells and inflammatory cells. Late lesions may show fibrosis, lipomembranous changes, or dystrophic calcic deposits. The clinical picture is nonspecific, but the context usually makes the diagnosis easy. Traumatic panniculitis is a self-limiting disorder and requires only symptomatic treatment. The spectrum of mild-to-severe traumatic panniculitis is illustrated in three case histories from our recent experience
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