Congenital infiltrating lipomatosis of the face

Abstract

Congenital unilateral facial enlargement can be attributed to a host of clinical conditions ranging from lipomatosis, lymphangioma, and vascular malformations to congenital overgrowth syndromes. Congenital infiltrating lipomatosis of the face (CILF) is one among them and is considered as a variant of benign lipomatosis. The exact etiology and pathogenesis are not known. It is characterized by proliferation and infiltration of adipocytes into adjacent muscles and soft tissues along with hypertrophy of underlying bones. Radiological imaging plays a central role in diagnosis as it enables accurate identification of CILF. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrates the fatty nature of the disease, and computed tomography demonstrates the osseous abnormalities. In this case report, we discuss the case of an 8-year-old female child who presented with facial hemihypertrophy and how the rare diagnosis of CILF was clinched at imaging. The utility of radiological imaging in differentiation of CILF from its close differentials is also discussed.