What is "panniculitis"

n. inflammation of the panniculus adiposus, or subcutaneous adipose tissue

Panniculitis is a group of diseases whose hallmark is inflammation of subcutaneous adipose tissue (the fatty layer under the skin - panniculus adiposus). Symptoms include tender skin nodules, and systemic signs such as weight loss and fatigue.

Restated, an inflammatory disorder primarily localized in the subcutaneous fat is termed a "panniculitis," a group of disorders that may be challenging both for the clinician and the dermatopathologist.