A Case of Generalized Subcutaneous Fat Necrosis of Newborn

Subcutaneous fat necrosis of newborn is an uncommon disorder characterized by firm subcutaneous plaques and nodules usually apprearing shortly after birth. A female newborn with brain death developed diffuse hardening of trunk, extremity, cheek and buttock in the first 5 weeks of the life. A clinical diagnosis of sclerema neonatorum was made. But histologic examination revealed patchy areas of fat necrosis with crystallization, infiltration of histologic cells and several multinucleated giant cells containing needle-shaped clefts. Calcium deposits were also demonstrated within the necrotic area. So, we diagnosed this case as subcutaneous fat necrosis of newborn with generalized hardening of the skin.