Fact-sheet: Morel-Lavallée lesion


Updated on 08/26/2020 at 4:15 PM

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Definition

Shearing injury of the subcutaneous soft tissues.
Trauma due to shearing/tangential impact (seatbelt-related MVA, skiing fall...)

Clinical features

Non-painful, non-inflammatory mass of the abdominal wall.

Laboratory findings

Unremarkable

Ultrasound

Sero-hematic collection located between the subcutaneous fat and a muscular aponeurosis.

  • Well-defined, rounded or oval, hypoechoic or anechoic collection "resting" on the hyperechoic line of the underlying muscular fascia
  • Compressible; compression should be limited to avoid underestimating the size of the lesion
  • Fluid-fluid level frequently seen.
  • Dislaceration of fat lobules may be seen as hyperechoic nodular structures
  • Doppler: no signal

CT

Hypodense collection with enhancement of the fibrous capsule if present

MRI

Collection with variable T1 signal (hypo-, iso-, or hyperintense) depending on lesion age and composition.
Generally T2 hyperintense.
Enhancement of the capsule if present

Management

  • Watchful waiting
  • Puncture - Aspiration - Compression (frequent risk of recurrence)
  • Surgery in case of recurrence or peripheral capsule