The hibernoma: a rare etiology of massive weight loss

Hibernoma is a rare soft tissue benign tumor composed of cells similar to those of brown fat observed in fetus and hibernating animals. Brown fat has thermogenous properties, by the way of carbohydrates and lipid catabolism, and can be of an important mean in thermoregulation. A massive weight loss is a rarely reported sign in patients with hibernoma. We report herein the case of a 47 man with a history of isolated weight loss, of 16 kg over 4 months. Clinical examination has shown a swelling of the right flank. Surgical resection has been made and histopathological examination has shown hibernoma. The post-operative weight gain confirmed the relationship between hibernoma and weight loss. (C) 2002 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.