Multiple Symmetric Lipomatosis: A Review of 3 Cases

Abstract

Multiple symmetrical lipomatosis, or Madelung's disease, is a rare disease of unknown etiology. It is characterized by the presence of loose adipose tissue deposits localized in the cervical region and in the upper body. The neoformations grow slowly and their initial consequence is purely esthetic. They can, however, lead to compression of the laryngotacheal area and of the esophagus. This disease usually affects middle-aged males from the Mediterranean area with a history of alcohol abuse. Although most cases have been sporadic, a few authors have indicated that the disorder may be hereditary. It is thought that this pathology originates from an alteration in lipid metabolism. Since the patients were asymptomatic temperance and diet was proposed, surgical removal of the lipomatose mass is the treatment of choice in case of complications due to fat mass compression on upper aerodigestive tract. The authors present three cases of Madelung's disease with different and particular manifestations.

Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells from Lipomas: Isolation, Characterisation and Review of the Literature

“…Furthermore, an association between metabolic disorders and alcoholism has been postulated [6,7,8]. Interestingly, it has been reported that chemotherapy and/or blood stem cell transplantation may be plausible causes of de novo multiple lipomatosis, possibly by stem cell mobilization following transplantation or chemotherapy [9].…”

An Unusual Case of Benign Symmetric Lipomatosis

“…BSL typically affects middle-aged man of mediterranean origin with a history of alcohol abuse [5,6]. Although, some cases have also been reported in young adults, women and children, even without alcohol consumption reported, like as patient.…”

Multiple Symmetrical Lipomatosis: Madelung’s Disease

“…Also, this disease is more common in the male gender (15:1 ratio), between 30 and 60 years old and in the Mediterranean population [3]. Chronic alcoholism history is present in 60-90% of the cases [2,6]. Madelung's disease phenotype may vary but most of the cases present with adipose tumefactions in the face, neck, occipital fossa and shoulder areas.…”

“…These complications are the main surgery indication in this disease [2]. Rarely, some patients present with malignant degeneration to liposarcomas and oropharyngeal tumors [8].…”