Tuberc Respir Dis.
1999 Jul;47(1):97-102. 10.4046/trd.1999.47.1.97.
A Case of Multiple Symmetric Lipomatosis
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, HanYang University, Seoul, Korea.
- 2Department of Diagnostic Radiology, College of Medicine, HanYang University, Seoul, Korea.
- KMID: 2050164
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.1999.47.1.97
Abstract
- Multiple symmetric lipomatosis ( Madelung's disease ) seems to represent a relatively common disease in Europe but has not been described in the Korean literature. It is characterized by highly typical symmetric deposits of subcutaneous fat on the neck, arms, and upper part of the trunk. The localized increase of adipose tissue is hyperplastic in nature and probably results from a local defect in adrenergic stimulated lipolysis. Multiple symmetric lipomatosis is frequently, but inconstantly, associated with alcoholism, liver disease, glucose intolerance, and hyperuricemia, but their etiologic role remains to be established. Clinical importance is the apparent high incidence of malignant tumors of the upper airways requiring through ear, nose, and throat and internal examination of all patients. Another importance is possibility of airway obstruction due to mass effect. Dietary treatment and weight loss are of limited value. Surgical treatment gives only temporary relief and should be restricted to patients with functional impairment. We report a case of a 63-year-old man with multiple symetric lipomatosis and alcoholism.
