Madelung’s disease: A case report of laryngeal localization and a review of the literature

Abstract

Madelung’s Disease (MD), also known as benign multiple symmetric lipomatosis or Launois-Bensaude syndrome, is a rare condition. The characteristic feature is the presence of numerous diffuse lipomas at the level of the neck or upper limbs. The etiology is unknown, but a close association with ethyl abuse has been observed. The use of radiological examinations such as ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging is helpful for the differential diagnosis. There are two classifications mainly used: The Enzi classification and the Donhauser classification. In this article we present a case of MD with laryngeal localization. A 50-year-old man was referred to our department complaining of dysphonia for about 6 months. An abnormal and diffuse enlargement of the anterior part of the neck was noticed, compatible with “Madelung’s Collar”. Fiberoptic examination of the larynx revealed the presence of a lipomatous-like neoformation of the left false vocal cord. The patient underwent surgical removal of the laryngeal neoformation with transoral laser microsurgery. With this article we suggest a possible diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for the treatment of laryngeal lipomatosis. Keywords: Lipoma; TML; Larynx; Dysphonia; ENT