Subcutaneous Fat Necrosis Associated with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A case report

ABSTRACT

Subcutaneous fat necrosis is manifested by erythematous tender nodules on the legs, buttock or trunk and is associated with pancreatic disease including acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic carcinoma, pseudocyst, pancreatic stone and other diseases. Its histologic findings are pathognomonic and reveal foci of subcutaneous fat necrosis with "ghost-like" anucleated cells with thick "shadowy wall" and surrounding inflammatory infiltrate consisting of polymorphonuclear cells, eosinophils, lymphocytes, histiocytes, foam cells and foreign body giant cells. We experienced a case of subcutaneous fat necrosis associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma manifested by subcutaneous nodules in the buttock and lower extremities and by arthralgia of the left knee in a 67-year-old woman. Therefore, we are reporting to emphasize the importance of the skin findings of the internal disease.