Definition:
Panniculitis is characterized as the inflammation of the subcutaneous fat. Generally, human fat is divided into a number of lobules by what is known as the connective tissue septae. The septae contains the blood that supplies the lobule. The arteriole is responsible for supplying the lobule while the venules drain the septae. Panniculitis is the disorder that disrupts the supply from the arteriole or the drainage of the septae.
These septae contain the blood that supply the lobule. A feeder arteriole supplies the center of the lobule while venules drain the septae. Disorders which disrupt the arterial supply lead to a lobular panniculitis while venous disorders lead to a septal panniculitis.
Diagnosis:
Acute panniculitis are diagnosed histologically, this is usually done by conducting a biopsy of the affected tissue. Once the lesion is identified, the doctor can start searching for the cause, since it can be associated with a complication of another disease such as lupus and pancreatic cancer.
Treatment:
Treatment of Panniculitis is often found unsatisfactory. There are some physicians that prescribe the use of anti-inflammatory medications. While others are required to go through chemotherapy sessions.
Symptoms and Signs:
The appearance of one or multiple nodules in the subcutaneous fat is the primary symptom of the acute panniculitis. The nodules are typically tender and may tend to drain an oily solution and pus. These lesions would usually last for 1-8 weeks before it disappears, leaving a pigmented depressed spot.
Causes:
Panniculitis is believed to be a result from a number of conditions, often related to a systemic disease. In cases where Panniculitis is not associated with any systemic condition, it is typically due to extreme cold or trauma.
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