HomeRadiologyVol. 307, No. 2 PreviousNext Reviews and CommentaryFree AccessImages in RadiologyOrbital LipolysisTuba Kalelioglu , Sohil H. PatelTuba Kalelioglu , Sohil H. PatelAuthor AffiliationsFrom the Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia Health System, 1215 Lee St, 1st Floor, Charlottesville, VA 22903.Address correspondence to T.K. (email: [email protected]).Tuba Kalelioglu Sohil H. PatelPublished Online:Jan 24 2023https://doi.org/10.1148/radiol.221947MoreSectionsPDF ToolsImage ViewerAdd to favoritesCiteTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked In A 47-year-old man with a history of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue, alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis with gastrostomy tube dependence, and chronic diarrhea presented to the emergency department with altered mental status. The patient was cachectic, with a body mass index of 14.3 kg/m2.MRI of the brain demonstrated diffuse loss of expected fat signal intensity with T1-weighted imaging, including within the orbits, bone marrow, and subcutaneous scalp (Figure). This appearance is similar to a fat-saturated T1-weighted image; hence, it is called “pseudo fat-saturated” (1). It is due to excessive lipolysis and lipid peroxidation induced by cachexia from chronic malnutrition in the setting of anorexia nervosa or systemic cancer. Furthermore, endothelial injury results in edema and contrast enhancement in the involved areas, conspicuous in the postseptal orbit (2).Images in a 47-year-old man with cachectic state. (A) T1-weighted image before cachectic state for comparison shows expected normal high signal intensity of the orbital, scalp, and bone marrow fat. (B) Axial T1-weighted image without fat suppression shows lack of expected hyperintense fat in the orbits, subcutaneous scalp, and bone marrow. The imaging appearance mimics a fat-saturated T1-weighted image. The volume of subcutaneous fat in temporal regions is decreased. (C) Postcontrast T1-weighted image shows diffuse contrast enhancement of the affected areas secondary to increased vessel wall permeability. (D) Noncontrast CT scan shows increased attenuation in the retrobulbar fat, consistent with edema.Download as PowerPointOpen in Image Viewer Disclosures of conflicts of interest: T.K. No relevant relationships. S.H.P. No relevant relationships.