Computed tomographic study of superficial fascia of the abdomen: Implication to Localized Fat Deposits (LFD) areas

Background: Superficial fascia of the abdomen, being a supportive structure plays a vital role in abdominal localized fat deposits (LFDs) as well as in surgical treatment of obesity. Interest in the anatomy of the superficial fascia is increasing with increasing popularity of surgical procedures for abdominal obesity. The study aims at computed tomographic evaluation and classification of the superficial fascia of abdomen & comparing with the earlier published cadaveric study. Materials and methods: One hundred two 64 slice CT scans films of abdominal region of 102 subjects showing radiologically normal abdominal fat of either sex (64 males 38 females) between 25 to 70 year age were analyzed. Results: Superficial fascia of the abdomen was multilayered in the midline & gradually merged with each other laterally. Multiple layers of superficial fascia in form of multiple loculi were seen mainly over central abdomen and loin region. Conclusion: Multiple layers of superficial fascia in the form of multiple loculi may be one of the reasons for resistant nature of LFD areas like loin and central abdomen.