Computed tomography of deep fat masses in multiple symmetrical lipomatosis.

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Abstract
Deep fat masses were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) in 15 patients with multiple symmetrical lipomatosis. In 4 patients peritracheal accumulations of fat were observed. In 3 of them tracheal compression by lipomatous tissue was demonstrated: 2 were asymptomatic and the 3rd had severe respiratory insufficiency secondary to blockage of the airway by the vocal cords as the result of recurrent nerve palsy. In 6 patients lipomatous tissue occupied the potential space between the spina scapulae and the trapezius, supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. In 2 patients calcification of lipomatous masses was observed. There was no relationship between extension of subcutaneous fat and accumulation at deep sites. CT facilitates early detection of peritracheal lipomatous tissue and is helpful in follow-up when deep fat accumulation is responsible for space-occupying lesions requiring surgery.