Madelung Disease – Between Lipectomy and Liposuction. Report of a Case and Literature Review

Madelung’s disease or multiple symmetric lipomatosis could be described as being anything, but an ordinary entity. The etiopathogenetic mechanisms are admittedly multifactorial, debatable and not marked by promptness. Despite the aesthetic, most of the symptoms are direct results of the compression which occurs on the adjacent anatomical structures. Because of their characteristic appearance, patients with this condition can be clinically diagnosed, during the information-gathering process or while performing a physical exam. So far, the treatment of choice was surgical resection, leading to a well-pleasing outcome and reducing the risk of recurrence.

Recurrent Multiple Symmetric Lipomatosis Affecting the Upper & Lower Limbs: A Case Report

Madelung disease is a rare, metabolic, malignancy-associated and disfiguring condition of unknown etiology, characterized by potentially debilitating neurological, cardiopulmonary, gastric, musculoskeletal and psycho-social complications. Also known as multiple symmetric lipomatosis (MSL), Benign Lipomatosis (BSL), and Launois-Bensaude syndrome, MSL is characterized by the symmetrical growth of subcutaneous non-encapsulated fat deposits, usually around the neck, but in some cases also around shoulders, the upper trunk, chest and limbs, and hip girdle. These abnormal fat deposits may rapidly grow over a few months or slowly enlarge over several years. Expanding fatty deformations may be disabling, have disfiguring aesthetic consequences, and infiltrate or compress adjacent vital structures. This case illustrates that painful, massive growths may also occur around the knees, re-grow post excision, and present with compressive neurological symptoms necessitating further surgical interventions.