Symmetric Lipomatoses in Female Patients

Abstract

Background: Symmetric lipomatoses are characterized by marked symmetric deposition of diffusely distributed fatty tissue. Though relatively common disorders, they are rather rarely reported in the literature, possibly being misdiagnosed as general obesity. While the differential diagnosis of symmetric lipomatosis versus general obesity may not appear difficult in males, it is obviously problematic in females. Observations: We describe the findings in 6 representative female patients with symmetric lipomatoses: 3 with benign (multiple) symmetric lipomatosis and 3 with female zonal obesity. The former disorder was characterized by massive, firm, symmetric fat deposition predominantly around the neck and shoulder girdle and was clearly associated with alcohol abuse and/or liver disease. There were no malignant tumors of the upper airways. In the latter case, fatty tissue had accumulated mainly at the buttocks and thighs but characteristically spared the feet and hands. Tenderness was a common symptom. This disorder showed familial predisposition. Histology in both cases revealed normal fatty tissue which was neither encapsulated nor septally divided. Conclusions: We suggest that the term ‘symmetric lipomatoses’ refers to two separate disorders, benign (multiple) symmetric lipomatosis and female zonal obesity.

Launois-Bensaude Syndrome: An Unusual Localization of Obesity Disease

“…In accordance with our experience, the literature confirms the gender correlation of type 1 with males and type 2 with females [30][31][32].…”

Differential clinical expression of multiple symmetric lipomatosis in men and women

“…Although several female cases of MSL have been previously published, [11][12][13] this series represents the larger sample of women with MSL never reported and permits the complete description of the signs and the symptoms of the disease in females. Women with MSL shared some of the typical aspects of the disease found in men, but had also some peculiar clinical features.…”

Induction of Benign Symmetric Lipomatosis (Launois-Bensaude Syndrome) in a Female Patient after Liver Transplantation

“…In 1984, Enzi distinguished two types of BSL [3], whereas in 1991, a new revision of the classification was done by Donhauser et al[ 1], based on a patient with BSL and Bureau-Barrière syndrome. Stavropoulos et al[ 11] investigated female patients with symmetric lipomatoses in 1997.…”

“…According to the classifications it can be regarded as Enzi type I and Donhauser type II. There was no indication for possible female zonal obesity as mentioned by Stavropoulos et al[ 11]. …”