Extrahepatic, Nonneoplastic, Fat-Containing Lesions of the Abdominopelvic Cavity: Spectrum of Lesions, Significance, and Typical Appearance on Multidetector Computed Tomography

Fat may be noted in a diffuse or focal manner in a variety of nonneoplastic abdominopelvic conditions. The specific signature of macroscopic fat on computed tomography along with the usually characteristic findings of these entities makes the diagnosis of most of these conditions relatively straightforward. In the intestinal tract, the “fat halo sign” usually arises in the context of subacute to chronic bowel wall inflammation. Excess fat in the renal sinus may occur with renal sinus lipomatosis or “replacement lipomatosis of the kidney.” Some cases of “pancreatic lipomatosis” may culminate in steatopancreatitis and ultimately neoplastic transformations. “Fibrofatty mesenteric proliferation” is a characteristic feature of Crohn disease. In the setting of the acute abdomen, accurate diagnosis of fat-containing lesions (epiploic appendagitis or omental infarction) from other causes of the acute abdomen is critical. Mesenteric panniculitis is 1 of the causes of the “misty mesentery.” Juxtacaval fat deposition is a benign process that has the potential to be confused with more serious conditions. More diffuse fat deposition (abdominal or pelvic lipomatosis) has the potential to become symptomatic by causing mass effect upon the adjacent structures. Fat can also be seen in a variety of postoperative/iatrogenic conditions or abdominal wall/diaphragmatic hernias.