Phosphoglyceride crystal deposition disease presenting as multiple paragastric masses

Phosphoglycerides, also referred to as glycerophospholipids, are the major lipid component of all membranes. Phosphoglyceride crystal deposition disease (PCDD) is a new clinicopathological entity and, to our knowledge, only two cases have been reported previously (1, 2). The cause and underlying mechanisms remain unknown. While crystal deposition with gout (monosodium urate) and pseudogout (calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate) occurs mostly in and around the joints, phosphoglyceride crystals accumulate in soft tissues, particularly at sites of injury (1, 2). In this report, we describe a case of PCDD presenting as multiple paragastric masses after distal partial gastrectomy, making preoperative diagnosis difficult. We believe this is the first reported case of PCDD occurring at this site. Although PCDD is extremely rare, this condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal masses in patients with a history of abdominal surgery.