A rare cause of calf swelling: the Morel–Lavallee lesion

✍ Scribed by J. M. Moriarty; C. G. Borrero; E. C. Kavanagh

• Book ID: 107526275
• Publisher: Springer-Verlag
• Year: 2009
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 244 KB
• Volume: 180
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1863-4362
• DOI: 10.1007/s11845-009-0386-5

✦ Synopsis

Introduction

Calf swelling is a common clinical presentation with a wide and varied differential diagnosis. The Morel–Lavallee is a rare cause of subcutaneous swelling, caused by post-traumatic shearing of the hypodermis from the underlying fascia. The potential space so created fills with blood, lymph and necrotic fat giving specific findings on MR evaluation.

Materials and methods

A case of a 53-year-old man with calf swelling is presented, with clinical and MRI correlation. Treatment options and clinical course are discussed.

Conclusion

The Morel–Lavallee lesion is a rare but important cause of calf swelling. MRI is the mainstay of diagnosis and treatment includes both surgical and minimally invasive modalities.