Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn associated with hypercalcemia after therapeutic hypothermia.

Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn (SCFN) is a rare, benign, and self-limiting panniculitis of neonates that presents in the first few weeks of life and is most commonly associated with birth asphyxia and meconium aspiration. There have been few case reports of SCFN following therapeutic hypothermia. With the increasing use of therapeutic whole-body hypothermia, SCFN may become more prevalent. The differential diagnosis of SCFN can be broad, and clinicopathologic correlation is essential to make the correct and timely diagnosis. Clinicians should be aware of this rare disease and its potential serious complication hypercalcemia.