Etymed
panniculitis
Definition
Inflammation of the subcutaneous fat tissue
Clinical context
A 23-year-old woman presents with painful, red nodules on her thighs and buttocks that have been present for 2 weeks. She recently started a new diet and has been losing weight rapidly. Physical examination reveals tender, firm nodules in the subcutaneous tissue. Biopsy shows inflammation of the adipose tissue. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Mnemonic
PANNICULITIS = PAIN in fat tissue, NODULES, CUTANEOUS inflammation, INFLAMMATION of subcutaneous fat
These morphemes also unlock…
- pannicul/o — small layer of tissue; membrane
- -itis — inflammation