Summary
MERRF syndrome (myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibres) is a mitochondrial encephalomyopathy
characterised by a mixed seizure disorder and myoclonus. The condition is associated
with multiple large cervical lipomas that often require surgical excision.
Comprehensive clinical examination combined with pre-operative radiographic imaging
is vital in such cases to help differentiate benign fatty masses from potential liposarcomas.
We describe a case in which a lipoma-like liposarcoma was identified following excision
of what was expected, on clinical and radiological grounds, to be a lipoma. This case
highlights the potential for sarcomatous changes in suspicious lipomas, and the key
role that imaging plays in differentiating benign from malignant.
Keywords
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 24, 2011
Accepted:
August 2,
2011
Received:
October 31,
2010
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
