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Encapsulated fat necrosis mimicking subcutaneous liposarcoma: radiologic findings on MR, PET-CT, and US imaging

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Abstract

We present a case of a subcutaneous encapsulated fat necrosis of the upper extremity that mimicked subcutaneous liposarcoma because of heterogeneous signal intensity, its relatively large size, and pronounced enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For this case, we present the radiologic findings including MRI, positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), ultrasonography, and radiography. We emphasize the imaging features of this lesion, which has a fibrous capsule and briefly discuss its nomenclature and pathophysiology.

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Conflict of interest

We had no financial conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 88, Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 138-736, Korea

    Seun Ah Lee, Hye Won Chung, Chang Keun Sung, Sang Hoon Lee, Min Hee Lee & Myung Jin Shin

  2. Department of Pathology and Research Institute of Pathology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea

    Kyung Ja Cho

  3. Department of Radiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea

    Seun Ah Lee

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  1. Seun Ah Lee
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  2. Hye Won Chung
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  6. Min Hee Lee
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Correspondence to Hye Won Chung.

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Lee, S.A., Chung, H.W., Cho, K.J. et al. Encapsulated fat necrosis mimicking subcutaneous liposarcoma: radiologic findings on MR, PET-CT, and US imaging. Skeletal Radiol 42, 1465–1470 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-013-1647-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-013-1647-y

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