Subcutaneous fat necrosis after paracentesis: Report of a case in a patient with acute pancreatitis

Arch Dermatol. 1976 Jul;112(7):993-4. doi: 10.1001/archderm.112.7.993.

Abstract

A patient with acute pancreatitis developed subcutaneous fat necrosis of the anterior abdominal wall secondary to leakage of pancreatic enzymes through a rent in the peritoneum following paracentesis. The same patient also had another subcutaneous complication of pancreatitis, namely, nodular liquifying panniculitis of the lower extremities. The diagnosis was made by the typical histological findings of subcutaneous fat necrosis, foci of necrotic cells with a "ghost-like" appearance, and basophilic-staining calcium soaps deposited around the necrotic cells.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Muscles / pathology
  • Acute Disease
  • Adipose Tissue / pathology*
  • Bacterial Infections / complications
  • Biopsy, Needle / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Necrosis
  • Pancreatitis / complications*
  • Panniculitis, Nodular Nonsuppurative / etiology*