This disease is also known as Rothmann-Makai syndrome. It was first reported by Rothmann in 1984, and in 1928, Makai named the disease lipogranulomatosis subcutanea. The disease is rare and primarily occurs in children. It is considered to be a type of nodular panniculitis.

bubble_chart Etiology

Although some authors believe that trauma or vascular injury is related to the onset of this disease, this may only be a contributing factor, and the exact cause of the disease remains unclear.

bubble_chart Pathological Changes

Early pathological changes involve acute inflammation of the fat lobules, with degeneration and necrosis of fat cells, accompanied by infiltration of neutrophils, tissue, and lymphocytes. In the advanced stage, fibrosis occurs. As most fat cells have necrosed, cysts of varying sizes may appear within the tissue, with connective tissue forming the cyst walls and calcium deposits inside.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

The basic lesion is a nodule or patch. Nodules are typically 0.5 to 3 cm in size, but larger ones can reach 10 to 15 cm. They are firm in texture, with a surface color that is light red or politician-like. There is a lack of subjective sensation, with only mild tenderness upon pressure. The number of nodules varies, scattered across the face, trunk, and limbs, with those occurring on the extensor side of the thigh being more common. The nodules gradually subside after 6 months to 1 year, leaving no atrophy or depression. In a few cases, the nodules can persist for several years. There are no systemic symptoms such as fever.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

This disease commonly occurs in children, with scattered nodules that resolve without atrophy or depression, and there are no systemic symptoms.

This disease has a tendency to self-heal. The treatment plan during acute episodes can refer to that of nodular panniculitis.