Extrapleural fat

Extrapleural fat or epipleural lipomatosis is a benign condition and refers to relative diffuse deposition of fat outside the parietal pleura. It can occur in various locations but typically occurs along the chest wall. It is a component of the loose connective tissue of the endothoracic fascia and is most abundant along the posterolateral aspects of the 4 through to 8 ribs bilaterally. On plain film, the resulting soft-tissue shadow that is produced can be confused with pleural thickening or pleural plaques.

The displacement of the extrapleural fat by extrapleural masses is used as extrapleural fat sign.

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