Macrodystrophia lipomatosa – MR imaging of a rare congenital anomaly: review of 3 cases

Abstract

Macrodystrophia lipomatosa (MDL) results from progressive overgrowth of all the mesenchymal elements, with a disproportionate increase in fibro-adipose tissue. This rare congenital abnormality occurs most frequently in the distribution of the median nerve in the upper, and medial plantar nerve in the lower, extremity. Excess of unencapsulated fibro-adipose tissue on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is virtually diagnostic and can differentiate this entity from other diseases with similar presentations. Involvement of the ulnar aspect of the hand, though rare, has been described; however, the lateral aspect of the foot as seen in our second case has not been reported, to the best of our knowledge.

Keywords

• MRI
• Macrodystrophia lipomatosa