Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn. Case report and diagnostic considerations.

Abstract

The clinical diagnosis of subcutaneous fat necrosis is not always easy, especially when the infiltrating lesions are covered by normal skin. It often starts when the newborn has been already discharged from the neonatal unit. This is why different specialists such as pediatrician, dermatologist, surgeon and oncologist may observe the disorder. Given its rarity, every specialist sees a few cases throughout his/her life. The clinical variability of the disorder regarding the number of lesions -from one to dozens-, their color -from red to bluish and flesh colored-, shape -nodules or plaques-, size -from a few mm to many centimeters- and finally the possible presence of ulceration and calcification, makes the clinical diagnosis sometimes difficult. This is confirmed by the case here reported. The latter was rightly and easily diagnosed thanks to the histological examination, whereas the suspected clinical diagnosis was initially myofibromatosis or neuroblastoma.