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Review
. 2016 Aug 11:8:389-95.
doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S106227. eCollection 2016.

Lipedema: diagnostic and management challenges

Anne Warren Peled  1 , Elisabeth A Kappos  2
Affiliations
Review

Lipedema: diagnostic and management challenges

Anne Warren Peled et al. Int J Womens Health. .

Abstract

Lipedema is an uncommon disorder characterized by localized adiposity of the lower extremities, often occurring in females with a family history of the condition. The adiposity extends from hips to ankles and is typically unresponsive to weight loss. In addition to the aesthetic deformity, women also describe pain in the lower extremities, particularly with pressure, as well as easy bruising. Although the condition is well described, it is relatively rare and often misdiagnosed. The purpose of this review is to describe the initial evaluation and diagnosis of lipedema and discuss treatment options.

Keywords: leg swelling; lipedema; lipodystrophy; localized adiposity; lower extremity liposuction.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A 43-year-old woman with long-standing lipedema.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Characteristic “step-off” seen at the ankles in patients with lipedema.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Algorithm for workup in patients presenting with lower extremity enlargement. Abbreviation: CT/MRI, computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging.
Figure 4
Figure 4
CT scan of a patient with lipedema demonstrating homogenous, circumferential fatty hypertrophy. Abbreviation: CT, computed tomography.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Algorithm for management of diagnosed lipedema.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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