Computed tomography in diagnosis of pelvic lipomatosis.

Pelvic lipomatosis is a disease characterized by abnormal deposition of mature adipose tissue within the confines of the pelvis surrounding the bladder, prostate, and rectosigmoid. The presenting symptoms are vague and nonspecific, and it has typical radiologic features. Computed tomography is extremely useful in the differential diagnosis because of its ability to differentiate fatty infiltration from other conditions which can cause elevation and compression of the urinary bladder and sigmoid colon. Computed tomographic confirmation of the presence of fat surrounding the bladder and rectum eliminates the need for surgical biopsy, unless indicated for other reasons. The course of this disease is usually benign and indolent, however a close follow-up is mandatory to rule out those cases in which ureteral obstruction may develop requiring surgical relief of the obstruction. When cystitis glandularis is found in association with pelvic lipomatosis, periodic cystoscopic examinations are recommended because of the potential risk of malignant transformation.