MOREL-LAVELLEE LESION - AN UNCOMMON ENTITY NEEDS IMAGING CONSIDERATION

Abstract

Morel-Lavallée lesions are relatively rare closed degloving injuries caused by a shearing force resulting in separation of the dermis and the hypodermis from the subjacent deeper fascia¹. These shearing forces can disrupt perforating vessels and nerves, creating a potential space that fills with blood, lymph, debris, and fat (necrotic and/or viable)². Although most commonly encountered lateral to the greater trochanter, these injuries may occur throughout the body in a variety of locations¹. These lesions may not be well recognized at the initial presentation and can be easily missed. Patient’s history and imaging findings are very important in reaching the correct diagnosis. Radiological knowledge of this entity is pivotal in avoiding unnecessary patient’s worriment. We describe a case of 24 years old female who presented with a history of gradually increasing fluctuant swelling in the left gluteal region, and subsequently underwent imaging to reach the diagnosis of this lesion.