MR imaging of benign fatty tumors in children: report of four cases and review of the literature

T. V. Ha, P. K. Kleinman, A. Fraire, M. R. Spevak, K. Nimkin, I. T. Cohen, M. Hirsh, R. Walton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study correlates the magnetic resonance imaging characteristics with the pathologic findings in rare benign fatty soft tissue tumors in four children. A review of the literature is presented. Two cases of infiltrating lipoma displayed bright signal on both T1- and T2-weighted images, similar to that observed in subcutaneous fat. Histological study revealed extensive muscle infiltration by mature fat, with some areas of total fatty replacement. The case of facial lipomatosis revealed an extensive process of fatty invasion of adjacent soft tissue and osseous deformity by mass effect of the tumor. This lesion was bright on T1- and T2-weighted images. Histopathologic examination showed widespread invasion of squamous mucosa and skeletal muscle. The single case of lipoblastoma involved the presacral region and right buttock. This lesion, although bright on both T1 and T2 weighting, was relatively hypointense to subcutaneous fat on T1. Microscopic examination revealed a well-encapsulated fatty mass made up of cells ranging from lipoblasts to mature lipocytes. In childhood, when fatty lesions are almost always benign, a morphologic characterization by magnetic resonance may be sufficient basis on which to make critical therapeutic judgements.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)361-367
Number of pages7
JournalSkeletal Radiology
Volume23
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1994
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Childhood
  • Fatty tumors
  • Magnetic resonance imaging

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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