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Morel-Lavallée lesion - ultrasound

Case contributed by Maulik S Patel
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Swelling to right proximal thigh. Not resolving following road traffic collision and injury two months ago. Fluctuant swelling on examination.

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Female

Fusiform soft tissue density swelling overlying the right greater trochanter. Lesion appears to be in subcutaneous plane. No calcification or gas seen. No fracture of visualized bones noted.

ultrasound

Fusiform largely anechoic structure in the subcutaneous planes overlying the greater trochanter. Well-defined hypoechoic capsule.

Case Discussion

There is a predominantly anechoic lesion in the subcutaneous plane of the right proximal thigh at the level of the greater trochanter. Well-defined capsule noted around lesion. Solid nodule is noted abutting the wall at lower end of the lesion, probably representing a fat lobule. A septum is also present.

History, clinical examination and US findings favor diagnosis of Morel-Lavallée lesion which is known by many other names such as pseudolipoma, pseudocyst, ancient hematoma, organizing hematoma, chronic expanding hematoma, and post-traumatic soft tissue cyst.

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