Pseudotumoral organization of a twisted epiploic fringe or 'hard-boiled egg' in the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract

A freely moving pseudotumoral formation resembling a peeled "hard-boiled egg" was discovered in the abdominal cavity of an 82-year-old male patient during exploratory laparotomy for assessment of hepatocarcinoma in the left lobe of the liver. The formation involved a twisted epiploic fringe, which was necrotic, sclerotic, and calcified. The absence of any attachment and the avascular aspect of this pseudotumor suggest a possibly self-sustaining mechanism for the laminar sclerosis organized around the necrotic adipose tissue.