Purpose or Case Report: Intraperitoneal focal fat infarction is an umbrella term used to describe numerous pathologies with the two most common encountered in clinical practice being epiploic appendagitis and omental infarction. The clinical presentation often mimics an acute abdomen, which can lead to inappropriate management of the patient. While there is ample literature regarding the imaging appearance of focal fat infarction in adults, little exists regarding the imaging findings in children. The purpose of this exhibit is to demonstrate the imaging features which will allow radiologists to confidently diagnose focal fat infarction and differentiate it from more emergent causes of an acute abdomen. We will also discuss the prognosis and appropriate management, usually conservative, which is a significant difference from other causes of an acute abdomen.
Methods & Materials: The imaging findings diagnostic of focal fat infarction in children will be the focus of the exhibit with examples provided using a multimodality approach. The presenting signs and symptoms in children, along with the pathophysiology, histologic findings, and treatment will be discussed.
Results: This educational exhibit will provide a pictorial review of the specific imaging findings of focal fat infarction using recent cases from our institution. The most common etiologies of intraperitoneal focal fat infarction, epiploic appendagitis and omental infarction, will be illustrated on both ultrasound and CT.
Conclusions: Recognition of the imaging findings associated with intraperitoneal focal fat infarction in the pediatric population is imperative to prevent unnecessary surgery. Additionally, given the importance of the as low as reasonably achievable principle, being able to recognize the ultrasound appearance of these conditions in children is of particular importance.